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For the past year, the Enhanced Games has purported to be the next big thing in human performance.
But at the event on May 24, 2026, in Las Vegas, zero weightlifting records were broken.
Only six out of the nine Enhanced weightlifters registered a total.
Yet if you scrolled social media, it would appear that the "Steroid Olympics" were a resounding success. Competitors of all disciplines sing the organizers' praises.
Meanwhile, the prospect of a "PED-friendly Olympics" continues to cause excessive chatter online.
At WLHOUSE, we remain committed to the idea that clean sport is the only path forward for weightlifting.
But we wanted to hear from the athletes who staked their careers and reputations on participating in the Enhanced Games.
One agreed to speak with us.
Enhanced Games
Athlete Interview
WLHOUSE conducted this interview remotely with one of the weightlifting competitors at the 2026 Enhanced Games.
We've decided to publish the conversation as an anonymous interview so their testimony can stand apart from the online discourse.
Portions of this interview have been edited for clarity and privacy.
Weightlifting House (WH): Are you currently under a non-disclosure agreement, and have you received media training from the Enhanced Games?
The athlete declined to answer this question.
WH: When and how were you approached to compete at the Enhanced Games?
Enhanced Athlete (EA): "I was contacted by Beau Burgener in February and accepted right away. The onboarding process was very long and intricate. There were contracts and medical screenings required to be approved. I had to be flown out for medical tests on my heart."
WH: Why does the Enhanced Games specifically target retired or Masters athletes?
EA: "This is not true. They market to everyone."
WH: What kind of compensation did you receive?
EA: "We receive monthly stipends. The amount is above and beyond anything I have ever heard of in weightlifting. I will not go into exact numbers, but the financial support from the Enhanced Games makes that amount look minuscule."
Editor's Note: We referenced the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), which pays the three best male and female weightlifters in America $1,500 per month. They receive additional funding from USA Weightlifting, plus various brand deals and sponsorships.
WH: How involved was Ivan Rojas in your training?
EA: "I was not able to travel to Abu Dhabi for the training camp due to the war in the region, so there was no chance to work closely together, but he was involved. I had unlimited access to the organizers of the Enhanced Games."
WH: How did the Enhanced Games approach your drug protocol?
EA: "I traveled to Los Angeles and New York City for vigorous cardiovascular and blood tests. I became enhanced and entered medical supervision in March 2026."
WH: How did the weightlifters feel as a whole leading up to the event?
EA: "We were in phenomenal shape. We were not sure what to expect, since it was our first time using drugs. We felt ready to hit personal bests, which we achieved."
WH: How did the Enhanced Games treat the weightlifters compared to the other sports?
EA: "Weightlifting was not given the limelight we expected. But we were given the same attention and support as other sports. We had all of the same resources."
WH: How did the venue compare to events hosted by the IWF?
EA: "It was the coolest venue I have ever lifted at. The warm-up area was great. It was on par with any IWF meet I have done."
WH: What have you heard from your social circle since competing?
EA: "Feedback has been positive from people I know and respect. There will always be people who have a problem with things like this. But I did this for me. I am pursuing weightlifting in a way that I can fully commit to the sport without financial burdens."
WH: What has your national federation said?
EA: "I was notified I will never be able to compete again. I was fine with this, since I was not planning to."
WH: How do you feel about the event overall?
EA: "I am incredibly grateful and lucky to be a part of it. There is a lot of noise on social media. If you ask people who were there, they would say it was extremely special."
WH: Can the Enhanced Games coexist with tested weightlifting?
EA: "Yes. They will have to. Enhanced Games are not going anywhere. The International Olympic Committee should start paying athletes if they do not want things to start slipping away."
WH: Have you received any new opportunities since competing?
EA: "None yet."
WH: What do you know about the future of the Enhanced Games?
EA: "Nothing other than they hope to have an Enhanced Games in 2027. I am currently not in contract for any future events, but I am hoping to get re-signed. I will be preparing for the next year as if I have been re-signed. I will be ready for any opportunity they offer."
