Skip to content
White TrueSport logo.
Search
Close this search box.
  • About
    • Ambassadors
    • Award Program
    • Media
    • Partnerships
    • True Experts
    • TrueSport Team
  • Learn and Teach
    • For Coaches
    • For Educators
    • For Parents
    • Train the Trainer
    • Mindset of a TrueSport Champion
    • Publications
    • Videos
    • TrueSport Topics
      • Sportsmanship
        • A Good Sport
        • Bullying Prevention
        • Conflict Resolution
        • Leadership
        • Respect & Accountability
        • Teamwork
      • Character Building & Life Skills
        • Decision Making
        • Goal-Setting
        • Mental Wellness
        • Performance Anxiety
        • Perseverance
        • Shortcuts
      • Clean & Healthy Performance
        • Body Image
        • Clean Sport
        • Dietary Supplements
        • Energy Drinks
        • Hydration
        • Nutrition
        • PEDs
        • Preparation & Recovery
  • Join Us
    • #ShowYourValues
    • Cohort for Change
    • TrueSport Talks
      • TrueSport Talks – RESOURCES
    • Newsletter Sign-Up
    • Events
  • Shop TrueSport
Menu
  • About
    • Ambassadors
    • Award Program
    • Media
    • Partnerships
    • True Experts
    • TrueSport Team
  • Learn and Teach
    • For Coaches
    • For Educators
    • For Parents
    • Train the Trainer
    • Mindset of a TrueSport Champion
    • Publications
    • Videos
    • TrueSport Topics
      • Sportsmanship
        • A Good Sport
        • Bullying Prevention
        • Conflict Resolution
        • Leadership
        • Respect & Accountability
        • Teamwork
      • Character Building & Life Skills
        • Decision Making
        • Goal-Setting
        • Mental Wellness
        • Performance Anxiety
        • Perseverance
        • Shortcuts
      • Clean & Healthy Performance
        • Body Image
        • Clean Sport
        • Dietary Supplements
        • Energy Drinks
        • Hydration
        • Nutrition
        • PEDs
        • Preparation & Recovery
  • Join Us
    • #ShowYourValues
    • Cohort for Change
    • TrueSport Talks
      • TrueSport Talks – RESOURCES
    • Newsletter Sign-Up
    • Events
  • Shop TrueSport
Search
Close this search box.
Facebook X.com Logo (formerly Twitter.) Youtube Instagram Linkedin Pinterest
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin Pinterest

What the Youth Sports Community Needs to Know About the Enhanced Games

  • January 1, 2025
  • Clean Sport, Trending
AthletesCoachesParents

Have you heard of the Enhanced Games? If so, the narrative around paying athletes and supporting career longevity may have sounded reasonable, but there’s far more to consider when it comes to understanding the impact of this proposed spectacle.

Here, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s Dr. Matt Fedoruk, Chief Science Officer, and Olympian Allison Wagner, Athlete and International Relations Director, share their views on the Enhanced Games and how it can impact sport integrity, athlete wellness, and youth sport.

 

What are the Enhanced Games?

Simply explained, the Enhanced Games is a planned international sports event that may take place in 2025 where athletes are encouraged to enhance themselves and their performances by using performance-enhancing substances (PEDs) and methods. The idea was conceived by Australian businessman Aron D’Souza and has since garnered widespread media attention, as well the support of some and the condemnation of many.

Why would someone support the Enhanced Games? D’Souza claims that the Enhanced Games will offer athletes financial incentives that they don’t receive through the current Olympic and Paralympic system. And with the help of PEDs, D’Souza argues that athletes will be able to feel better for longer and extend their careers.

Travis T. Tygart headshot.Critics point out that the concept is not only legally questionable, but actually very dangerous to athletes’ health. Critics also note that the Enhanced Games sets a terrible example for young athletes around the world who will witness the glorification of a doping arms race rather than sport based on integrity, fairness, and determination.

Travis Tygart, the Chief Executive Officer of USADA, has commented, “While those behind the Enhanced Games might be looking to make a quick buck, that profit would come at the expense of kids across the world thinking they need to dope to chase their dreams. We desperately wish this investment was being made in the athletes who are currently training and competing the real and safe way. They are the role models this world so desperately needs and they are the ones who deserve our support – not some dangerous clown show that puts profit over principle.”

 

Athlete Health

First and foremost, much of what the Enhanced Games are championing is potentially dangerous in both the short and long term. While they claim that they will have medical staff on site to ensure the safety of the athletes before and during the competition, Fedoruk points out that many of the negative side effects and health outcomes from using banned substances can come during use in practice or even years later. Further, the synergistic negative health effects of taking multiple prohibited substances at once are unknown. “These things aren’t just banned because they’re effective at making athletes stronger or faster,” he explains. “Many are banned because they’ve been proven to be dangerous for athletes, with some harmful side effects being potentially irreversible.”

And while the potential for compensation might make the risk seem worthwhile, it’s critical to note that there is no actual prize purse listed or plan for how the compensation will work. As Wagner explains, it’s currently empty promises. And beyond that, participation in the Enhanced Games could cost an athlete sponsorships, speaking engagements, and the ability to compete in other events. Any short-term monetary gain would be outweighed by the health risks and career impacts.

“This event is being done purely for the entertainment and shock value, with no bearing on the long-term health of the athlete,” says Fedoruk. “If you’re an athlete looking for a payout, the promises may be appealing, but it’s forcing you to put your body and health—and probably your longevity–at risk.”

 

Integrity and Fairness

Cloes up of two young men shaking hands while one holds a soccer ball.Integrity is the cornerstone for sport and for competition. “Allowing doping is a very dangerous and disturbing proposition,” says Wagner. “For me and for so many athletes, sport has been about learning and incorporating values such as integrity and fair play, and these Enhanced Games make a mockery of that. Olympic and Paralympic values are so important to athletes. We believe in the pursuit of excellence with integrity. And it’s not just about being great athletes: Many of these athletes who compete at the Olympics and Paralympics are role models in their community and that’s because they achieved excellence in a way that was honorable.”

“The Enhanced Games diminishes sport to pure entertainment,” explains Fedoruk. “And that seems problematic when you think about the value sport brings to society and individuals. Sport is a journey. It’s something that’s supposed to be healthy and meaningful. There are rules put in place in order to try to make it fair.”

Even from a legal standpoint, there are questions around the Enhanced Games. There is significant crossover between PEDs that are actually illegal in most countries with drugs that are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). And while D’Souza has talked extensively about wanting to see world records broken, it’s important to understand that if any world records do fall during these events (although doping doesn’t guarantee record-breaking performances) the new record wouldn’t stand. Ratification of world records are typically subject to WADA global anti-doping standards, which means that any ‘heaviest lift’ or ‘fastest marathon time’ wouldn’t be entered into the official record books.

 

Youth Athletes

In addition to Tygart’s point that the Enhanced Games could lead to kids across the world thinking they need to dope to chase their dreams, Fedoruk also notes the mental health risks for young athletes watching this kind of event. “We already know that the pressure to have your body look a certain way is immense for young athletes, and it can be very damaging,” he says. “With the Enhanced Games promoting the use of things like steroids, I worry that young athletes who watch those athletes will internalize some really unhealthy messages.”

“And just because someone takes EPO or a steroid doesn’t put them at the same level as an Olympic athlete,” adds Fedoruk. “PEDs are not a short cut. You have to use these substances for a certain period of time in order for them to have an effect, and the longer you use them in the higher doses, the more chances that you’re going to suffer unwanted side effects, which ultimately impair your performance rather than improve it.”

_________________________

Takeaway

It’s important to understand the risks associated with a concept like the Enhanced Games, a sporting event where doping would be actively encouraged. Mental and physical health effects, integrity concerns, and the devaluing of sport are among the top issues. Finally, there is little evidence that the Enhanced Games will live up to the financial incentives that they’ve claimed, and participation will cause athletes to be ineligible for other events and compensation opportunities.

Related Content

Loading...
Coach with wheelchair tennis athlete on court.

The Myth of Scarcity and How To Harness Collaboration

  • April 1, 2025
Coaches
Ditching the myth of scarcity takes some practice, so here are more easy ways to retrain your focus and harness...
Read More
Hangers on a rack all holding sports bras.

4 Things to Know About Female Athletes and Breast Support

  • March 1, 2025
Parents
Dr. Michele LaBotz, shares what caregivers need to know to help their female athletes understand their development and find the...
Read More
An IV infusion bag against a blue background.

5 Things to Know About IV Rehydration and Vitamin Infusions

  • January 1, 2025
Parents
USADA Director of Science, Laura Lewis, PhD, shares what parents and caregivers need to know about IV infusions for young...
Read More
Young man with prosthetic leg on cell phone nex to a track.

6 Ways Social Media Impacts Athlete Identity

  • November 1, 2024
Parents
Caregivers should focus on helping youth athletes understand what parts of social media are and aren't serving them.
Read More
1 2 … 27 Next »

Join Us

Subscribe
Shop TrueSport
Host TrueSport

TrueSport logo without icon in white.

© 2025 TrueSport | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Sitemap

Goal-Setting Lesson Video Transcript

Hi. I’m Trevon, Trey, Jennifer. Team USA wheelchair basketball player, paralympian, and true sport athlete. Today, I want to talk to you about goal setting. And there are three things that I would like you to know. First, successful athletes set goals and a planned roadmap. Second, goals should be written down, assessed over time, and changed if necessary. And third, goals need to be challenging in order to be worthwhile. As a freshmen at Edinboro University, I was a part of a team that made the national championship game. And at that time I recognized I was the low man on the totem pole, but I felt in my heart that I knew my dreams were so much bigger than winning a national title. I wanted to make Team USA. I knew what achieving my lofty goal was not going to be easy and that I would need to work hard every day.

So, as a reminder, I created a pyramid of goals that I kept right above my bed. This pyramid reminded me of the accomplishments that I was working towards and visually represented my need to create a solid foundation underneath me before reaching the top. In the bottom roll of my pyramid of goals I listed goals such as obtaining my bachelor’s degree, becoming a scholar athlete award recipient, and becoming an All-American. The middle row listed winning a national title and playing for a professional team. And at the top row, the most challenging of them all, I listed becoming a gold medalist for Team USA.

By understanding that there are smaller stepping stones to achieving my ultimate goal of being on Team USA, I was able to stay motivated and to stay focused on completing the smaller stepping stones fully before moving onto the next one. Now I’ll be the first to admit that not every goal that I listed on my pyramid was accomplished, but seeing my goals every day when I went to bed, I was able to push through the days that I felt like doing nothing in hopes of achieving the bigger picture. Remember, create a clear goal roadmap, assess your goals often, and continue to challenge yourself. I hope that you never stopped dreaming big or reaching for the stars. And I look forward to seeing where your roadmap takes you.

Body Image Lesson Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Kara Winger, Olympic javelin thrower, and true sport athlete. Today I want to talk to you about body image and I have three things I’d like you to know. First, healthy thoughts often lead to healthier bodies. Second, there are varying body types and no one’s body is exactly like another. And third, true beauty goes deeper than the skin. As a multi-time Olympian, I’ve experienced a lot of variation and progression in my training. My coaches and I adapt to my training frequently, all with the goal of supporting my long-term success and health in the sport of javelin. I’m talking to you about body image today because sometimes even with the best of intentions and a common goal in mind, the changes you make to your training habits can prove to be detrimental if made for the wrong reasons. In the lead up to the 2012 Olympic trials, I was told in order to improve my performance on the field, I should try to become a leaner, skinnier version of myself.

So I changed my diet. I went along with what I was being told to do, even though I’d had great success at a slightly heavier weight and higher body fat percentage, and became much leaner than ever before. It seemed like a successful change at first, but I didn’t have nearly the results I’d had before. And I believe becoming leaner than my body naturally wanted to be was what caused my ACL to tear. In the end, it cost me heavily going into the 2012 London games. The takeaway for me, and hopefully for you, is that it’s important to know what works for you and your body and to not compare yourself to others. You should do your research and experiment with your diet to find what makes you feel the best, rather than focusing on what you look like. Today, if I feel like having a chocolate chip cookie, I have one, just not every day.

I’ve learned what a properly balanced meal for my body looks like and I recognize food as the fuel that keeps me throwing. I hydrate and allow myself time to recover. And I listen to and communicate with my body so that I can be the best version of myself. In the end, you are in control of how you see, treat, and respond to your body. We only get one and it’s amazing to discover how many things our bodies can do. Be a true sport athlete. Love who you are in this moment and get excited for all the places your body will take you.

A Good Sport Lesson Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Izy Isaksen, Team USA, Modern Pentathlon, Olympian, US Army Sergeant, and True Sport Ambassador. Today, I want to talk to you about being a good sport. There are three things I’d like you to know. First, real winners act the same toward their opponent, whether they win or lose. Second, follow the rules and be a gracious winner and respectful loser. And third, sportsmanship reveals your true character.

I started competing in Modern Pentathlon eight years after my older sister and three-time Olympian, Margaux Isaksen, began competing. I soon realized that people often compared the two of us. I would overhear spectators and teammates asking, “Who’s the better athlete,” and “Who’s going to beat the other.” Instead of letting outside pressures create a negative experience for us, I chose to practice winning and losing with grace and respect. I know that it would have been easy to let our hyper competitive mindset affect our relationship, but instead we decided to support and cheer for each other, regardless of our own performance. My experience of competing against and being compared to my older sister, taught me to focus on how to perform at my best, rather than putting wasted energy into wishing for others to fail.

I believe that sportsmanship reveals true character. So, no matter what situation I encounter during competition, I know it’s important to always treat people with respect and be a good sport. Remember, be a fierce competitor, find grace in all your victories and losses. And I hope to see you out there.

What Kind of Coach Do You Want to Be? Video Transcript

Edwin Moses: You’re a coach. Maybe what you want is very simple, for everyone to just run in the right direction, score for their own team, to try and try again and again. Maybe you want your athletes to become all stars. You want them to earn trophies, medals, win titles. You want them to reach the highest height their sport allows. And wanting all of that, of course, that’s good. But as every great coach discovers, developing a great athlete means nurturing, nurturing the even greater person within. Truth is, you have even more influence than you know.

You have the ability to affect even deeper change, to take what’s in your hands and do something even more extraordinary. You can be both the coach who provides the skills needed to win the game and the coach who helps them learn and succeed beyond the sport, to become all stars wherever they land in the future, and to enjoy their lives more now, because the confidence and courage they find working with you will stay with them when they need it the most. There are games to be won, lives to change. Coaches have the power to do both.

I’m Edwin Moses, and the lessons I’ve learned through sport have challenged me, guided me, and shaped my life forever. What kind of coach do you want to be?

THE SIMPLE TRUTH: DECODING THE SUPPLEMENT INDUSTRY VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

At first glance, dietary supplements look the same. They seem safe and healthy, but just because the label says a product is a dietary supplement, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Unfortunately, you can’t tell whether a product is safe or not just by looking at the label. Most vitamins, minerals, fish oil, and other supplements containing nutrients are probably just fine, but supplements are not evaluated or approved by FDA before they are sold. Although it is rare for vitamins or minerals to be contaminated with drugs, there has been at least one case of a vitamin containing an anabolic steroid.

At the other extreme are products that contain drugs, stimulants, anabolic steroids, or other hormones. Even though these are not technically dietary supplements, many of them are labeled as supplements. For example, body-building products sometimes contain anabolic steroids or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, known as SARMs, or other hormones. Some pre-workout or energy products contain illegal stimulants like DMAA, ephedra, or other amphetamine-like stimulants. Weight loss products might contain prescription drugs like sibutramine, or hormones, like human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as hCG. All natural or herbal sexual enhancement products might contain hormones or Viagra-like drugs. Products like these can harm your health and career, but they’re for sale online, in some nutrition stores, and they’re labeled as dietary supplements.

When you pick up a supplement, especially one that promises performance enhancement, you don’t know if it belongs in the “Mostly O.K.” pile or in the “Dangerous” pile. After all, two products might look the same, but one might contain just amino acids and other legitimate ingredients, while the other also contains anabolic steroids. Because of this, FDA has issued a warning about certain categories of supplements: body building products, weight loss products, and sexual enhancement products. Be extremely careful when considering a supplement in one of these categories. We strongly recommend that you avoid products in these categories.

Even when FDA tests supplements and finds dangerous ingredients, companies sometimes refuse to recall them. Sometimes, they simply repackage their product and continue selling it under a new name. Just because a product is on a store shelf doesn’t mean it is safe. You need to do your research and be an informed consumer. The dietary supplement industry is enormous. Supplements that appear to be safe could actually be dangerous products in disguise. If you use dietary supplements without doing your research, you may be taking serious risks with your health and your career. Please visit USADA’s Supplement 411 for more information about dietary supplements.