Following his controversial announcement that he’s joining the Enhanced Games on Wednesday, British Olympic medalist Ben Proud opened up on his reasoning behind the decision on Thursday.
Proud, 30, spoke candidly with BBC Radio 5 Live, admitting that the financial incentives offered by the Games were a huge factor in his move, that he’s not too bothered about his public perception, and how the realities of where he’s at in his career led him to the decision.
On the financial aspect, Proud said it would take him “13 years of winning a World Championship title” in order to earn the same amount of money that’s up for grabs at the Enhanced Games, which is offering $500,000 for an event win and $1 million for breaking the world record in either the 50-meter freestyle or 100-meter dash.
“There’s a huge financial incentive with this, and I would be lying if I said it didn’t matter,” Proud told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It’s just such a different ballpark financially – it gives me the opportunity to earn that sort of money and setting myself up, my family, and supporting my mum. These are opportunities as a 30-year-old I just can’t pass by.”
At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, event winners earned $20,000, while a $30,000 bonus was on the line for breaking a world record. Proud earned $20,000 after winning silver in the men’s 50 free and placing 5th in the 50 fly (not including any sponsorship or funding money he may have earned).
“In reality, us athletes in the Olympic program don’t earn enough money to retire off the back of this and I am always seeking something that can see me through a bit longer.”
The three-time world champion has faced plenty of backlash since the news broke at 9:00 am ET on Wednesday, but Proud said he’s not too bothered about how he’s viewed by the general public. His greater concern was if it would tarnish what he’s accomplished in the pool—an Olympic silver medal, eight World Championship medals (including three titles), six European titles and five Commonwealth Games gold medals.
“It definitely carries that risk,” he said when asked if he was worried this decision would cast a shadow over his previous accomplishments. “This is one of the matters I really had to get my head around. The public perception of me isn’t really that important – I don’t see myself in the public eye too much, so it’s not the biggest issue.
“It came down to whether I could get the support of the 15 or 20 people that mean most to me in my life. If they could understand why I’m making this decision and be supportive, then I’m a happy man.”
Despite his long list of accolades, Proud admitted he didn’t quite reach a few of his ultimate goals in swimming, such as an Olympic gold medal or a world record, but had to come to terms with the fact that those are probably out of reach at this point in his career.
He sees the Enhanced Games as a chance to cash in on the work he’s put in since he was a teenager.
“I’ve been to three Olympics and had some amazing opportunities and this is my chance to capitalize on a skill I’ve spent the best part of 15 years developing,” he said.
“There are world records and Olympic golds I haven’t quite got but that’s asking a little too much of me now. I feel I’m at the right point of my life where I can look back at my career and go on to something new.”
In a brief statement sent to SwimSwam on Wednesday, Proud said he had “no obligation” to take any performance-enhancing substances upon joining the Games, and reiterated that sentiment while speaking BBC Radio 5 Live, also touching on the risks associated with taking PEDs.
“There are many different doctors and healthcare specialists who will guide and inform me on decisions,” he said. “If that was to become the case later on (that he would take PEDs), I would be in good hands to make the best informed decision.”
Only substances approved by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be taken by Enhanced Games participants.
“It’s my choice and the doctors will be giving me the best support in order for me to make the most informed decision,” Proud said, according to The Guardian. “Everything is currently available to the public through prescription – there’s nothing illegal and nothing that I would feel bad touching.
“The Enhanced Games is trying to reduce the stigma around some of these substances. Some of these things, they have fantastic effects on the body and really limited side effects. Those are the ones to me that are curious – what could you take that makes you feel better, better energy, more recovery, without health risks.”
Aquatics GB said it was “immensely disappointed” in Proud’s decision, while European Aquatics echoed that sentiment and The Guardian reports that UK Sport will cease his funding.
“I respect what UK Sport and Aquatics GB have said because if I were in their shoes, I would agree fully,” Proud told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They need to protect themselves and the sport from this competition so I fully understand the reactions I have received from making this change.”
Proud has effectively retired from competing internationally from Great Britain with this decision, joining fellow accomplished swimmers such as three-time Olympic medalist James Magnussen, world record holder Andrii Govorov and European champion Kristian Gkolomeev.
“I want to hold as much respect to swimming by removing myself as much as I can,” Proud said.
“I don’t expect to come back. Being one of the first people to make this move comes with a lot of controversy.”
Disappointing in how many seem to be fine with this. I just hope it doesn’t ruin swimming
So disappointed in him. Money isnt worth doing that to your body.
His kids will thank him one day
If the drugs dont impact his fertility or lifespan
I think the moral grandstanding is a bit much. Sure, I wouldn’t do it, but I think “please think of the children” pearl clutchers are being a bit dramatic.
Honestly, EG is a huge opportunity for mainstream swimming. Someone should set up a meet the week after EG where swimmers wear super suits and get huge prize money if they can beat the EG winning time. That would honestly be the biggest publicity swimming has had in a decade.
I agree with you. It’s different when you’re at the top of your spot and are being paid peanuts.
Get paid YN. get paid
If we look at a sport like tennis, grand slam champions at the just ended US Open were paid USD5 million each! That might actually be the prize money pool for an entire swimming championships. Setting a world record won’t even get you 1% of that amount. There needs to be sincere and honest conversation on how compensation for professional swimmers can be improved, particularly on the global stage. Without endorsement deals, the average Olympic swimmers are really struggling out there. The offers from the enhanced games will naturally be difficult to turn down. I am certain there are a substantial number of swimmers who will be joining in the coming months ( as long as the project lasts)
Mr Proud. Looking forward to bringing you on as an AMBASSADOR for BF. We will get you the very best trims for your sinks and bowls, really quality items. HISTORY MAN. You won’t BELIEVE our turn of 20 century Czech collection.
Most understand he needs the money. Easy for us to judge until it is offered to us. He makes valid points.
On the other hand, I agree with the posters on this site that say he’s selling out and that a well-respected athlete would never consider doping. It is dangerous and unethical. These Enhanced Games are a slippery slope indeed.
I am waiting anxiously for the next name to drop. More to follow soon, I assume.
Slippery slope to what though? I think that they are going to dope these athletes to the gills and its not going to make that much of a difference, which is the best case scenario for everyone.
Honestly, Jaked rubber suits will make them faster than any PED.
But of course Peter Thiel and Don jr will attribute fast swimming to PED that they’re selling.
They’re grifters after all.
Let them raid the Preakness veterinary pharmacy if they want but the Jaked suits really just besmirch the integrity of pharmasport. I’m not even being sarcastic
No one outside of the sport will know its the suits more than the drugs. I think the guy who broke the 50 by .01 had on 2 Jaked’s or something no? The other guy got so big he couldn’t go fast anymore. He looks like one of those bovines with a myosin disorder.
there’s 2 things happening here:
1) governing bodies aren’t paying athletes enough. USA is no different in that regard…
2) EG is in startup mode and happy to burn cash. Assuming they aren’t very successful (likely, in my view, but you never know), then this kind of payout won’t be sustainable.
And right now, the combo of both of those factors is pretty powerful.
I wonder how much investment $$ they have sitting around and willing to gamble with. It’s hard to see how this will actually pay back as a successful business. I personally don’t get excited about watching like 5 people race in a madeup sporting category with no meaningful historical context or global competitor depth… Read more »