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Enhanced Games: Exposing Hypocrisy in Modern Sport?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 14:52 GMT by The Independent

A Provocation with Purpose

Metivier and Shetty's motives are less about outright replacement of traditional sport and more about exposing what they perceive as a deep hypocrisy. They argue that the current system already operates within a murky gray area, constantly chasing technological advantages and pushing legal boundaries. From specialized training regimes to advanced equipment and dietary supplements, the pursuit of performance gains is ingrained in modern athletics. The Enhanced Games, they contend, simply removes the pretense.

This provocative stance has understandably rattled established sporting organizations. The International Olympic Committee and World Athletics have swiftly and emphatically distanced themselves, citing concerns about athlete safety and the erosion of fundamental sporting values. However, Metivier and Shetty remain steadfast, asserting they are offering athletes agency and providing audiences with a novel and compelling spectacle.

The Ethical and Safety Minefield

The most pressing concern surrounding the Enhanced Games is undoubtedly safety. The potential for unforeseen health consequences is significant. Many performance-enhancing drugs have poorly understood long-term effects, and the cumulative impact of pushing the body to its absolute limit with pharmacological assistance remains largely unknown. Critics rightly question whether any safety protocols could adequately mitigate these risks.

Beyond safety, the Enhanced Games force a critical examination of what 'sport' represents. Is it fundamentally about the triumph of natural ability, the pursuit of fair competition, and the demonstration of human resilience? Or is it simply a quest for maximizing physical output, regardless of the means? Allowing unfettered drug use fundamentally alters the competitive landscape, shifting the focus from inherent talent and rigorous training to a pharmacological arms race.

More Than Just a Challenge - A Reflection?

While the likelihood of the Enhanced Games achieving widespread acceptance appears slim - the combination of inherent risks and ethical quandaries poses a formidable barrier - they are not without merit as a catalyst for necessary discussion. Metivier and Shetty maintain that their creation isn't intended to dismantle established structures but to offer an alternative for athletes frustrated by the rigidity of current regulations. They posit that the existing system is stifling innovation, hindering the potential for further understanding of human physiology.

Kate Baker's apprehension, while justified, highlights a broader crisis of confidence within the sporting world. The constant pressure to achieve increasingly superhuman feats, coupled with the subtle blurring of lines regarding performance enhancement, has created a system ripe for disruption. The Enhanced Games, however controversial, serve as a stark reminder that the definition of sport and its values are perpetually under scrutiny and that the boundaries of what is acceptable are constantly being tested. While the Enhanced Games might not endure, the questions they raise about the future of athletic competition, the role of technology, and the meaning of fair play are likely to linger long after the inaugural event.

Ultimately, Baker is right to protect a system that, despite its imperfections, holds a significant place within our culture - a system that risks losing its essence if it fails to confront the challenges presented by radical concepts like the Enhanced Games.