Published on: June 8, 2026, 08:50h.
Updated on: June 8, 2026, 08:53h.
- Ryan Lochte believes Enhanced Games incentives may lure more Olympians
- The 12-time Olympic Champion urges the Olympic Committee to elevate athlete earnings
- Lochte expresses thoughts on recognizing Enhanced athletes for world records
The first-ever Enhanced Games took place in Las Vegas at the end of May, creating a significant buzz in the swimming community. Casino.org’s JJ Lee engaged in an exclusive interview with 12-time Olympic Champion Ryan Lochte to gather insights.
Lochte provided insights on the Enhanced Games, highlighting substantial payouts, world records, and other relevant topics.
Initial Impressions of the Enhanced Games
“My initial reaction was ‘I wish I was still active in swimming.’
“It goes beyond just utilizing enhancements; honestly, it revolves around the financial aspect— the substantial prize money.
“The payouts they’re offering are transformative for athletes. During my swimming career, I was fortunate to have support from several sponsors. Yet, receiving $50,000 for winning a gold medal at the Olympics seems inadequate. Truly, how can one support a family on that?
“Take my friend Cody Miller, who I competed with at the Olympics. He earned $500,000 in just two races at the Enhanced Games. That’s life-altering for him and his family. Kudos to him for making that decision.
“Another swimmer, backstroker Hunter Armstrong, didn’t utilize enhancements, yet he competed successfully, earning $250,000. What does that signify? He received four times the amount than if he were to win an Olympic gold without doping. This is simply for winning a race.
“Breaking a world record nets you a million. This is truly life-altering.
“Finally, the focus is shifting to the athletes who are actively competing, rather than the CEOs who profit immensely but offer minimal to the real stars. Now, the swimmers and competitors are receiving the respect and financial rewards they deserve, which is a positive development.”
Lucrative opportunities shifting athletes’ motivations
“Ideally, a balance should be achieved. However, the monetary benefits are compelling. As I mentioned, many more athletes will participate because— the financial rewards offered are extraordinary. “Olympians are aware that winning a gold medal at the Olympics nets them merely $50,000, yet achieving victory in an Enhanced Games race can yield $250,000. The difference is staggering.
“I foresee a significant trend where more swimmers and athletes transition to the Enhanced Games in pursuit of financial stability. This will undoubtedly transform lives.
US Olympic Committee facing pressure to increase medal values
“If athletes start gravitating towards the Enhanced Games due to financial incentives, the Olympic Committee will have no choice but to elevate prize funds at the Olympics.
“They’ll need to contend with the appeal of the Enhanced Games. I’m confident they possess the financial resources; the upper management earns sizable incomes, while the actual athletes are receiving minimal compensation. The priorities ought to be reversed.
“The Enhanced Games experience is countering this. They’re prioritizing monetary rewards for athletes since, without them, the event wouldn’t exist.
“The athletes are the main attraction, and their value is undeniable. No changes imply the Olympic Committee will undoubtedly lose talent to the Enhanced Games.”
Public perceptions on PEDs resulting in “superhuman athletes”
“Indeed, there is truth to this, but it’s strictly under medical supervision, ensuring safety during the process.
“Enhancements can facilitate prolonged and more strenuous training while promoting muscle growth. The possibilities that enhancements offer are beneficial. Fortunately, it’s implemented safely.
“After observing the Enhanced Games and the prize distribution, the buzz has overtaken my social media—everywhere I turn, it’s Enhanced Games discussions. A transformative change across all sports is imminent.”
Only one world record during the Enhanced Games
“I honestly expected multiple records to be shattered—not solely due to enhancements but also because competitors had the option to wear advanced full-body tech suits.
“Reflecting on my competitive days, these full-body tech suits were present during the 2009 World Championships, where virtually every race resulted in world record performances. That prompted a ban on those suits. Now that they’re making a comeback, it’s a significant boost for the sport.
“The dynamics are enticing a more varied audience to the sport. In swimming, it’s attracting an entirely new demographic, thereby elevating its appeal. This evolution is monumental, and I cherish the transformation.
“Michael Phelps and I used to discuss our mutual desire to drive change in the sport. We aimed to elevate swimming’s profile. They are achieving that, acknowledging that while enhancements are involved, non-enhanced competitors are also pivotal to this movement.
“There’s a captivating curiosity among audiences about what’s occurring. The substantial prize money alone will be a significant draw for participation.
“Frankly, it seems inevitable that more events and sports will emerge. This transformation is progressive, and swimming, particularly, will benefit immensely as it draws in a newer fan base.”
Response to concerns of a ‘harmful message to youth athletes’
“I see merit in both views. Yes, younger athletes might see records being broken and consider enhancement use—a problematic aspect.
“On the flip side, it’s crucial to note that everything is conducted under physician supervision, ensuring athlete safety. I’d assign equal importance to both perspectives.”
Discussion of genetics, physiology, and Michael Phelps
“Michael Phelps has an ideal swimmer’s physique—tall stature, long arms, an elongated torso, and shorter legs. It’s the perfect build for swimming.
“In contrast, I’m among the shorter athletes on the team, lacking the quintessential swimmer’s body. I had to exert immense effort to succeed at the pinnacle.
“Yes, both my parents were swim coaches and I inherited some genetic advantage from them. However, my physique didn’t offer any innate benefits; my edge was derived from my relentless work ethic.
Is it a serious sports evolution or mere entertainment?
“Initially, I perceived it as entertainment-driven.
“However, after witnessing the events unfold and processing them, I genuinely believe it’s evolving into a pivotal movement. This will reshape the realm of sports.
Prestige discussion: Lochte on “enhanced” world records
“If an enhanced athlete establishes a world record—records were created with the intention of being surpassed. “Irrespective of the use of performance enhancers, records exist to be challenged.”
“I swam without enhancements, pitted against those who did, and still emerged victorious. So, in my perspective, if a world record is broken, it resides in the same category and relevance.”
“That said, compliance with WADA and USADA guidelines remains essential. Yet, there were enhanced athletes I outperformed. Yet, records will always be established, regardless of the circumstances.”
Potential split between “natural” and “enhanced” sports leagues
“It’s a possibility. The Enhanced Games allowed non-enhanced athletes to compete alongside enhanced ones, which I found commendable.
“They created an environment for both types of athletes, which is essentially brilliant. You can enhance or choose not to, and merely compete on a shared field.”
“Successfully competing against an enhanced athlete is a true badge of honor.”
Elite performance: balancing chemistry, genetics, training, and mentality
“Possessing a genetic advantage like Michael Phelps is beneficial, but it only gets you so far.
“Determined work is mandatory, regardless of the circumstances. Breaking a world record doesn’t hinge solely on enhancements or wearing a high-tech suit; it necessitates immense effort and pushing the limits further than anyone else is willing to.”
Navigating the boundaries between legal performance enhancements and banned substances
“Essentially, it boils down to adhering to WADA and USADA regulations regarding permissible substances and usage guidelines.
“By following these regulations, we establish a framework, yet the popularity of the Enhanced Games could herald shifts in protocol within traditional sports moving forward.”