Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev got a $1 million bonus as the only athlete to perform better than an official world record in the first edition of the controversial Enhanced Games where doping substances are permitted.
Visit h-doctor.club for more information.
Gkolomeev clocked 20.81 seconds over 50 metres freestyle which was one of 22 events in athletics, swimming and weightlifting in Las Vegas on Sunday.
He got $250,000 for the victory and €1 million for the time which was better than the world record but will not enter the record books.
Organizers had hoped for a many top results at the controversial event where athletes were effectively encouraged to use performance-enhancing substances which are strictly banned in official competitions.
But Gkolomeev was the only one to go below a world record as former 100m world champion Fred Kerley of the US for instance was four-tenths slower than the record with a modest time of 9.97 seconds.
"We expected more world records," event managing director Maximilian Martin said. "But it is live sports and you can't plan these things."
Winners also included German swimmer Marius Kusch who topped the 100m butterfly in a time faster than his official personal best. He was even almost half a second faster than his legal best over 50m where he finished third.
"At the end of the day you feel good and swim fast," Kusch said. Asked whether his body felt different, he said "I can't say that I had an ultimate boost but I managed to deliver my details in a perfect way."
Organizers said the aim was to find out what the human body is capable of with the aid of substances to boost performance and improve regeneration.
They said that of the 42 participants 38 used doping substances under medical supervision in eight weeks leading up to the event, with 91% using the steroid testosterone and 71% Human Growth Hormone.
Kerley said he was among the four who didn't use normally banned substances.
Like others, Gkolomeev would not reveal which banned substances he used because "I don't want anyone to copy me without medical support."
He also said banned sustances alone don't improve results, naming hard training, enough sleep and the right nutrition as key factors.
The Enhanced Games were widely criticised by anti-doping agencies and sports organizations led by the International Olympic Committee in the run-up.
“While those behind the Enhanced Games might be looking to make a quick buck, that profit would come at the expense of kids across the world thinking they need to dope to chase their dreams," US anti-doping chief Travis Tygart said last year.