What to expect at Trump Jr.-backed ‘Steroid Olympics’ this Sunday
A groundbreaking sports event featuring Olympic medalists is set to take place in Las Vegas this Sunday. The unique twist? Athletes are allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs.
Dubbed the “Steroid Olympics,” the Enhanced Games will showcase 42 athletes competing in swimming, track, and weightlifting.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee have strongly criticized the games since their announcement in 2023. However, some see it as an opportunity.
Investment firm 1789 Capital, led by Donald Trump Jr., has joined Peter Thiel in backing the company behind the games and leading its Series B funding round in 2025.
Operating under the name Enhanced Group, the company’s stock has seen a 35% increase in value leading up to the inaugural games. However, it has fallen by 40% since going public on the New York Stock Exchange via a SPAC earlier this month.
“The Enhanced Games symbolize the future of sports — true competition, genuine freedom, and new records being set,” stated Trump Jr. upon announcing his involvement.
What can we expect?
A specially designed arena will accommodate 2,500 spectators to witness the intense competition among the athletes. Attendees will also enjoy a post-event performance by rock band The Killers.
In addition to their regular training routines, most athletes participating in the games have been using approved performance-enhancing substances.
Only substances approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are permitted for use. Participants are closely monitored under strict medical supervision, according to the organizers.
While specific details of the athletes’ substance regimens have not been disclosed, the company revealed that competitors have utilized various substances such as testosterone, human growth hormones, stimulants like Adderall, and other banned substances by WADA.
Several renowned athletes have committed to competing in the event.
This includes American sprinter Fred Kerley, 2022 100m world champion and multiple Olympic medalist, as well as Australian swimmer James Magnussen and U.S. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cody Miller.
Exploring peptide sales
Aside from the games, the company has unveiled plans to offer performance-enhancing substances for sale.
Enhanced introduced a line of supplements in March, along with products aimed at enhancing performance and longevity, including hormone replacement therapy for both men and women.
According to a company statement, this marks the initial phase of their strategy to become a leading provider of personalized enhancement products focused on improving health, performance, and recovery.
The company has also expressed intentions to offer peptides, which have gained popularity in recent years. Peptide-based drugs like GLP-1 for weight loss, such as Wegovy, are in high demand.
“Recognizing the global surge in peptide usage, we are committed to significant investment in this area,” stated CEO Maximilian Martin in March.
