Enhanced Games: Are Athletes Risking Their Health?
The Big Story
Thursday, 21 May 2026 - 7 minutes
An Olympic swimmer with connections to Laois is set to compete at the first ever Enhanced Games this week.
Shane Ryan, who retired from competitive action last October, will be one of athletes taking part in this week's event, which will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances during the competition.
His dad is from Portarlington.
Each event winner is set to earn about €22,000, while further bonuses will be awarded for ‘enhanced world records’ in the 100m sprint and swimming’s 50m freestyle.
Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science in SETU Waterford, Bruce Waldrop has been speaking with Midlands 103's and says the drugs being used at the games could have long term consequences:
