Aquatics GB have said that they are “immensely disappointed” with Ben Proud after the Olympic swimmer became the first British athlete to join the ‘Enhanced Games’.
The Games is an event that allows athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs, and as a result of his participation, Proud will no longer be able to compete on the international swimming stage.
In a statement released on social media, Aquatics GB said they were “immensely disappointed in Ben Proud's announcement to sign with the Enhanced Games.
"Aquatics GB, along with our partners, stand firmly behind the values and principles of clean sport and condemn Ben's decision in the strongest terms."
Proud, who won silver in the 50m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, claimed that he had “achieved everything I can” in the world of clean sport.
"No [I don’t think it undermines clean sport],” Proud told BBC Sport.
“I think it opens up the potential avenue to excel in a very different way.
"I think realistically I've achieved everything I can, and now the Enhanced [Games] is giving me a new opportunity. I definitely don't think that's undermining a clean sport.
"I really respect the sport I've been part of, and I would never step back in knowing I've done something which isn't in the rules."
UK Sport said that they were working with Aquatics GB "as a matter of urgency to determine Ben Proud's suitability to receive public funds".
They concurred with Aquatics GB’s statement, condemning “everything the Enhanced Games stands for in the strongest possible terms”, while saying that they were “incredibly disappointed” with Britons receiving funding from their programme would advocate for the event.
World Aquatics, the global swimming body, were the first sporting federation to ban swimmers, coaches, and officials from events if they were to take part or sign up for the Enhanced Games.
