Shane Ryan (Photo Enhanced Games)
Despite widespread opposition, the Enhanced Games, which allows controlled doping, has attracted another top swimmer.
The Games has officially announced that Shane Ryan, a three-time Olympian and one of Ireland’s most decorated swimmers, is set to compete in the inaugural Games next May.
“After a decade dedicated to traditional competition on the world’s highest stage, I’m excited to dive into this next chapter with the Enhanced Games,” said Shane Ryan. “I’ve always wanted to know the absolute maximum of what my body is truly capable of, and here, with the focus on athlete health, safety, and transparency, I finally get that chance. I’m ready to embrace this new era, and hopefully smash my personal bests and challenge the World Records.”
Ryan becomes the latest high-profile athlete to join the organization’s growing roster of world-class swimmers, which includes world-class athletes like Ben Proud, Kristian Gkolomeev, James Magnussen, Andrii Govorov, Marius Kusch, Josif Miladinov, and Megan Romano.
Ryan’s decorated career includes representing Ireland in the last three Olympic Games and holding several long-course Irish National Records, including the 100m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke, and 100m Butterfly. He also represented Team USA on its national squad. Before his international career, he earned numerous All-American honors at Penn State University and set multiple school records.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Shane Ryan to the Enhanced Games. Shane already ranks among the world’s elite, and his decision to join our roster of top-tier swimmers is another huge vote of confidence,” said Maximilian Martin, CEO of the Enhanced Games. “When Shane hits the pool next May, the world will be watching a must-see event—a genuine quest for new World Records. He recognizes the energy and potential we’re unlocking here, and we couldn’t be more excited to support his journey.”
The inaugural Enhanced Games will take place on May 24, 2026 and will be held at a purpose-built competition complex at Resorts World Las Vegas. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a four-lane 50-meter pool, a six-lane sprint track, and a bespoke weightlifting stage. Every event will be streamed globally in a digital format designed to transform the way audiences experience sport.
The Enhanced Games offers unprecedented financial incentives for athletes. Each individual event will carry a total prize purse of $500,000, with $250,000 awarded to first place. In addition to this, the Enhanced Games will offer appearance fees and a staggering $1 million for breaking world records in the 100m sprint and 50m freestyle – recognized as the definitive tests of raw human speed.
