The Last Word with Matt Cooper Why Are Athletes Being Persuaded To Join The Enhanced Games?
Oct 17, 2025
Ciarán Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star, dives into the controversial Enhanced Games where athletes can use performance-enhancing drugs. He discusses high-profile sign-ups like Irish swimmer Shane Ryan, motivated by lucrative fees. Ciarán reveals the involvement of Silicon Valley figures and the implications of a permissive drug policy, warning of emerging doping methods and their risks. He critiques how this initiative threatens the integrity of clean sport and reflects cultural tensions surrounding athletics.
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Enhanced Games Is A Doping Showcase
- The Enhanced Games is a small multi-sport event that permits doping and offers huge prize money.
- Organisers promise big payouts including $1m for broken world records that won't be officially recognised.
Tech Money And Libertarian Motives
- Silicon Valley libertarians and venture capital backers are funding the event to push human limits.
- They view doping regulations as artificial constraints on human potential and longevity.
Shane Ryan Took A Big Payday
- Shane Ryan, a three-time Olympian, retired at 31 and accepted a six-figure appearance fee for the Enhanced Games.
- He said the payout exceeds what he earned across his entire swimming career on small Sport Ireland grants.