The World Aquatics has adopted a new bylaw prohibiting individuals who support, endorse, or participate in events promoting the use of performance-enhancing drugs from competing in or holding positions within the organisation.
This decision comes in response to the upcoming Enhanced Games, which openly allow and encourage use of steroids.
In Australia, prominent swimmers and former Olympians James Magnussen and Brett Hawke, have associated and actively engaged with the Enhanced Games. Due to their involvement they risk facing life bans from the Olympics and world championships.
What does the Bylaw say
The bylaw prohibits individuals from participating in or holding positions within the World Aquatics if they support, endorse, or participate in sporting events that embrace the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods.
It applies to any "relevant persons" who have "actively supported or endorsed a sporting event or competition that embraces scientific enhancements.” That includes the use of Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods as those are defined in the Doping Control Rules.
Multiple levels of roles are affected, such as athletes, coaches, managers, training partners, doctors, physiotherapists, and other support personnel.
The goal of the Bylaw is “to protect the integrity and the image of Aquatic sports, and the health, safety and well-being of Aquatics Athletes.” The Bylaw is effective starting from June 3, 2025.
The World Aquatics Bureau will assess each case individually, with the possibility of appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
What it means for Magnussen and Hawke
While Magnussen is no longer competing under World Aquatics rules after retiring from professional swimming in 2019, a ban would prevent him from taking on any future roles in coaching, athlete mentorship, or ambassadorial work within Olympic-affiliated organisations.
At the same time, for ‘The Missile’ the Enhanced Games may be one of the few platforms where he can compete again with financial incentive and media attention.
Similarly, Brett Hawke was named head swim coach for the Enhanced Games in May 2025. For him, coaching within the Enhanced Games could offer visibility, but it would also shut him out of elite coaching pathways tied to the Olympics and national programs.
In both cases, involvement in the so called “Steroid games” comes at the cost of credibility and long-term career opportunities within the global swimming establishment.
Enhanced games
The Enhanced Games is a forthcoming international sports competition that permits and encourages the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) under medical supervision. Founded by Australian entrepreneur Aron D’Souza, the event is positioned as a disruptive alternative to traditional competitions like the Olympics, challenging conventional anti-doping regulations and advocating for scientific advancement in athletics.
Scheduled to debut in May 2026 at Resorts World Las Vegas, the inaugural Enhanced Games will feature events in swimming, track and field, and weightlifting.