Backlash as Irish Olympian Shane Ryan joins the controversial Enhanced Games

Former Irish Olympian Shane Ryan has decided to join the Enhanced Games, a competition that allows athletes to take banned performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision.

Sport Ireland and Swim Ireland have issued statements expressing their disappointment with the news.

"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 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."

The 31-year-old announced his retirement from competitive swimming last week.

Following the athlete's announcement, Sport Ireland released a statement criticising his decision.

"Sport Ireland is deeply disappointed that swimmer Shane Ryan has decided to take part in the Enhanced Games," it read.

"This event, which allows the use of performance-enhancing substances and methods, risks compromising athlete wellbeing and sends an insidious message - especially to all young athletes."

"At Sport Ireland we are dedicated to safeguarding athlete health and defending the rights of the clean athlete. We are disappointed that any Irish high-performance athlete, past or present, would support an event which is so at odds with our values."

"It is the absolute antithesis of our work on behalf of the clean athlete. We condemn everything that the Enhanced Games stands for."

Additionally, Swim Ireland put out a similar statement.

"Swim Ireland is committed to elevating our world ranking through dedication, innovation, and adherence to the highest standards of clean competition.

"We believe that true athletic excellence is achieved through hard work and fair play, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to Sport Ireland and WADA’s anti-doping regulations.

"In that light, we are disappointed by Shane Ryan’s decision to sign an agreement with the Enhanced Games and can advise that in line with his retirement in October he is no longer associated with Swim Ireland’s National Team and further to that, will not be provided with any funding or services by the NGB going forward."

The news comes after World Aquatics' June announcement that it would ban athletes, coaches and officials from its events if they have taken part in the Enhanced Games.

The first Enhanced Games is set for May 2026 in Las Vegas.

The event will feature a four-lane 50-metre pool, a six-lane sprint track and a weightlifting stage.

Each event will have a total prize of $500,000 (€432,000), with the winner receiving $250,000 (€216,000).

Athletes who break world records in the 100m sprint and the 50m freestyle can receive $1 million (€864,000).

Ryan, born in the United States, moved to Ireland in 2014. He was the first Irish athlete to swim at three Olympic Games and was the first Irish swimmer to win a World Short Course medal.