Olympic Gold Medalist Hunter Armstrong Joins Enhanced Games, Plans To Compete Clean
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder Hunter Armstrong has joined the Enhanced Games, he confirmed to SwimSwam, but does not plan on taking performance-enhancing drugs. Armstrong, 25, is the first athlete to publicly commit to the Enhanced Games with the intention of competing clean.
In an Instagram story on Tuesday, Armstrong made his intent on competing clean clear: "If I don’t join Enhanced, I lose everything. If I do join Enhanced, I have a chance at not losing everything." This statement highlights the financial struggles he's faced as a professional swimmer, leading him to consider retirement last year. Armstrong has openly discussed these struggles, including his near-retirement, on the SwimSwam Podcast and in interviews.
Armstrong's decision to join the Enhanced Games is driven by the opportunity to continue supporting himself financially while training for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Enhanced Games offer a $1 million prize for breaking the world record in the 50 freestyle and a $500,000 prize purse for each event, with $250,000 going to the winner. This is a significant financial incentive for Armstrong, who has faced financial challenges.
However, there's a catch. Even if Armstrong competes in the Enhanced Games without performance-enhancing drugs, he may still face challenges. The international governing body, World Aquatics, enacted a bylaw (Bylaw 10) last year banning participants in Enhanced Games competitions from its events. This means Armstrong could be barred from competing in World Aquatics-sanctioned events, even if he competes clean.
The Enhanced Games have filed a lawsuit against World Aquatics, USA Swimming, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), alleging that Bylaw 10 is anticompetitive. However, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, concluding that it didn't do what Enhanced claimed it did.
Despite the legal challenges, Armstrong's signing gives the Enhanced Games a harmed party to potentially sue World Aquatics and USA Swimming again. Armstrong told ESPN he spoke with World Aquatics officials but didn't get a clear answer on his eligibility status.
"Nobody really knows what’s going to happen, and nobody will give me an answer on what’s going to happen," Armstrong said. "So all I can work off of is what the rules say and take a chance because I won’t get an answer by waiting."
USA Swimming National Team Director Greg Meehan sent an email to National Team members on Tuesday, expressing disappointment in Armstrong's decision. Meehan stated, "We are disappointed in this news, as Hunter has been a valuable member of our National Team for over five years, and we are not sure how the relevant regulatory bodies will respond to this unprecedented situation."
Armstrong's recent competition record includes placing 14th in the men's 50 free at the U.S. Open in December and scratching the final. He did not compete at the U.S. National Championships in June but earned a runner-up finish in the 50 free at the U.S. Pro Championships in August. Armstrong made his Olympic team in 2024, earning a silver medal in Paris in the men's medley relay and placing 11th in the 100 back.
Armstrong is the 18th swimmer to commit to the Enhanced Games and the second American man, joining fellow Olympic gold medalist Cody Miller. The Enhanced Games have attracted a diverse group of swimmers from around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine.
The Enhanced Games Commitments – Swimming list showcases the international reach of the competition, with athletes from various countries committing to participate. This diverse group of swimmers brings a range of perspectives and experiences to the Enhanced Games, adding to the excitement and controversy surrounding the event.
