Sport Integrity Commission joins chorus of condemnation of Enhanced Games
Photo:
AFP / Tek Image/Science Photo Library
The Enhanced Games are exploiting athletes and putting their health and careers at risk, says the Sport Integrity Commission.
The Enhanced Games where athletes can using substances banned in official competition announced earlier this week they will have their inaugural competition in Las Vegas, in May next year and will include swimming, athletics and weightlifting.
Australian businessman Aaron D'Souza is behind the Games and believes athletes should be able to do what they wish with their own bodies and is touting it as the 'Olympics of the future', allowing athletes to take drugs in a bid to break 'world records'.
Organisers maintain they will protect athletes while using technology and science to enhance their strength and speed, unlocking a new level of "superhuman" performances.
The Sport Integrity Commission, which is responsible for anti-doping in New Zealand, has joined a chorus of international condemnation of the Games.
Chair Don McKinnon said the Games promote "a dangerous sporting event that jeopardises athlete health and safety while fundamentally eroding the core values of fair play and integrity.
There will be no drug rules for the Enhanced Games.
Photo:
AFP / Tek Image/Science Photo Library
"The Enhanced Games exploits athletes by putting their health and careers at risk for the sake of purported entertainment and financial gain. Doping in sport is never acceptable and we condemn any activities that undermine the safety and fairness of sport.
"We join WADA and other anti-doping and sporting bodies around the world in standing for clean sport, athlete health, and the integrity of international competition," said McKinnon.
The Commission believes New Zealand athletes and athletes around the world should be able to compete with the confidence that their competitors are clean and that those who choose to engage in doping will be caught and subject to appropriate sanctions.
The Enhanced Games is backed by a venture capital fund which includes billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel and was initially launched as a concept in 2023, when it was presented as an opportunity to beat world records for cash prizes up to $US1 million.
World Athletics president Lord Coe has said taking part would be "moronic", and any competitor would face a lengthy ban.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter
curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
42 minutes ago
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific live updates: Chiefs hold tight lead over Blues
Beauden Barrett of the Blues tackled by Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ The Blues need to win to give themselves a chance to defend their title, tonight they face the Chiefs in front of a hostile Hamilton crowd and with an eye on winning a title that's eluded them for the last two seasons. Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog: Chiefs: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Simon Parker, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Gideon Wrampling, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Etene Nanai-Seturo Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Laghlan McWhannell, 6. Adrian Choat, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele'a, 15. Corey Evans Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Jordan Lay, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Cole Forbes
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
NRL live updates: Sharks v Warriors
Jett Cleary of the Warriors kicks during the NRL Pre-Season Challenge Round 1 match between the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors at Shark Park in Sydney, Friday, February 7, 2025. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts/ Photosport) Photo: AAP / The Warriors are looking to continue their good form so far in 2025, with a win here potentially very valuable in the grand scheme of things. Kick-off is at 7:30pm NZT. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog: Sharks : 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Mawene Hiroti 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Interchange: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Siosifa Talakai Reserves: 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele 18. Billy Burns 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Hohepa Puru 21. Jayden Berrell 22. Niwhai Puru Warriors : 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Adam Pompey 4. Kurt Capewell 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Leka Halasima 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jacob Laban 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18. Tom Ale 20. Samuel Healey 21. Tanah Boyd 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Taine Tuaupiki
RNZ News
5 hours ago
- RNZ News
Moana Pasifika review: Mass exodus and late drubbings take gloss off shining season
Captain Ardie Savea celebrates a win over the Blues. Photo: Brett Phibbs / In 2025, Moana Pasifika made believers of many. They came within one win of beating every New Zealand franchise, brought life to a dormant stadium and silenced plenty of critics. More importantly, they proved the project is working, giving Pacific players a platform, fans an identity and YouTube plenty of highlights. They would also drop a bombshell in the week following their elimination, announcing the departure of 15 players, six of whom had been with them since the start. Moana Pasifika ultimately fell short of their ambition of playoff footy and, after conceding 149 points in their last two games, the gloss was somewhat taken off a very bright season. Jonty Dine looks back at the historic year that was. Beating big brothers The rivalry between the two Auckland-based franchises only grew in 2025 and, of all their Kiwi scalps, none was more satisfying than the 27-21 defeat of the Blues in front of the Albany faithful. Captain Ardie Savea produced what was described as the greatest individual performance in the competition's history. Conquering Crusaders An upset for the ages, Moana's jaw-dropping 45-29 victory in "the toughest place to play in Super" suddenly gave rivals no choice but to put some respect on their name. Miracle scores thrice The encapsulation of what Moana was about - providing a platform for a Pacific player struggling to break into the top leagues - Miracle Faiʻilagi repaid the faith shown in him with this spectacular trio of tries against the Hurricanes, as they scored another upset over a New Zealand franchise, holding off the Hurricanes 40-31. New Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga helped change the franchise culture. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Ending Highlander hopes In a thriller under the Dunedin roof, Moana halfback Melani Matavao had his own 'hand of God' moment , as he charged down a Taine Robinson clearance, regathered and scored the matchwinner to eliminate the Highlanders from playoff contention with an enthralling 34-29 victory. Back to back After their monumental win in Christchurch, the question was could Moana back it up against the Waratahs the next week? Answering in emphatic fashion, a treble for prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou drove the 45-28 win. Ominous start Moana Pasifika were left to lament a three-loss run to start their campaign, a stretch of games that could have easily ended very differently. In their opening clash with Western Force in Perth, a 12-try epic concluded in heartbreaking fashion for the visitors. Down by 13 points with five minutes to play, the Force brought it back within six, before first-five Ben Donaldson inexplicably went 80 metres to score under the sticks and steal it. Similarly, Moana's round three match with the Highlanders - their first at home - saw them fall just two points short, after mounting a stunning comeback. Blanked by Brumbies An Ardie Savea-less Moana Pasifika failed to fire a shot on a damp day in Pukekohe, beaten 24-0 and sparking criticisms for the side's insistence on turning down kickable penalties . Ardie Savea leads the Moana Pasifika challenge. Photo: Photosport Hamilton humiliation While the Brumbies defeat stung, the hiding dished out by the Chiefs was effectively the blow that ended Moana Pasifika's playoff hopes, humbled in Hamilton 85-7 at the hands of a ruthless Chiefs side . Wheels come off in Welly While the fans embraced the return of one of Wellington's favourite sons - Savea - to the city, the Hurricanes were far less welcoming, handing Moana Pasifika a 64-12 hiding at the 'Cake Tin' to officially kill their campaign. Disrespectfully labelled a band of battlers in some corners, the Moana Pasifika squad proved they were anything but, with several players stamping their mark in Super Rugby 2025. Patrick Pellegrini While the pre-season talk centred around Jackson Garden-Bachop taking the reins, the unheralded Pellegrini made the biggest moves. His powerful punt, astute game management and deceptive speed saw him touted as one of the premier first-fives in the competition. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa A schoolboy star after making the bold move from Auckland to Invercargill, the blockbusting No.8 thrived alongside Savea and even thrust his name into All Blacks bolter conversations. Feleti Sae-Taʻufoʻou Another big mover was hulking prop Sae-Taʻufoʻou, announcing himself with a hattrick against the Waratahs, the Turbo was brutal with ball in hand. Moana Pasifika first-five Patrick Pellegreni Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress The primary focus upon Moana's inception was to provide a professional platform for Pasifika players who may be overlooked elsewhere. Several players epitomised this by playing their career best rugby after moving there in 2025. Lalomilo Lalomilo After making just two appearances for the Chiefs in 2023, Lalomilo had bided his time since earning national U20 selection. He returned north and appeared to find a permanent home in the Moana Pasifika midfield. A powerful runner, the Samoan is far from one-dimensional, showcasing some classy touches Jonathan Taumateine Halfback Taumatene found himself lost in the shuffle at both the Chiefs and Hurricanes, before signing with Moana Pasifika in their inaugural season. He was often stuck behind Ere Enari in the pecking order for his first three years with the side, but Umaga showed plenty of faith in Taumateine, who delivered some quality performances Millennium Sanerivi Another who produced a season as epic as his name and another Chiefs development player unable to crack the main squad, the former King's College First XV captain made his debut at hooker in round one against the Force and locked down the No.2 jersey, playing 13 of 15 games. This phenomenon was evident from the very first media session of the year, when a horde of journalists huddled around Moana Pasifika's superstar signing - the biggest coup in Super Rugby history. Ardie Savea made a mockery of claims his game would suffer at Moana Pasifika. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Making a mockery of predictions his game would suffer at the franchise, Savea was simply sensational for his adopted franchise, taking his game to levels rivalling the greatest players in the game's history. Influence is an understatement - Savea's men would follow him into war. A generational figure, who has become only more mythical at Moana Pasifika. Without a home in 2024, Moana struggled to find a sense of belonging, as they bounced between venues, sharing Go Media Stadium with the Warriors and unable to forge a genuine connection with their fanbase. Enter Albany. Moana Pasifika brought a serious injection of life to a ground in dire need of a rebirth. The atmosphere at QBE Stadium was electric and the roar when Savea snatched the matchwinning pilfer against the Blues absolutely deafening. They may have only numbered about 10,000, but the fans brought the energy and passion of a million. Tonga turmoil In a significant blow to Pacific rugby, Moana Pasifika were forced to relocate a home game against the Chiefs from Tonga to Pukekohe, due to logistical barriers on the island. Assurances have been made for efforts to make the fixture a reality in 2026, but Tongans will no doubt be sceptical. Miracle Faiʻilagi's hattrick of tries were a season highlight. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Sharks circle Fears the side would simply become a poaching ground for bigger franchises were proven justified, when Moana's top two 2023 performers - Timoci Tavatavanawai and Levi Aumua - were snapped up by the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively. Unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing with dynamic young winger Kyren Taumoefolau likely lured away by the Chiefs for next year. Roster reset In a jaw-dropping post-season move, Moana announced the mass release of Fine and Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Sione Havili-Talitui, Kyren Taumoefolau, Pepesana Patafilo, Alamanda Motuga, Sama Malolo, Aisea Halo, Tomasi Maka, Connor Seve, Irie Papuni and Pone Fa'amausili from the franchise. A significant shake up to the squad, though it could open the door for more star signings. While the NPC's 'Battle of the Bridge' has fizzled, a new Auckland grudge match has been born. What began as a cordial co-existence has become an increasingly heated feud between Moana Pasifika and the Blues. While the Blues say the right things on camera about the respect they have for Moana, the players and coaches across the bridge have spoken about the negative narratives coming from their so-called 'big brothers'. After Moana's official elimination from playoff contention, the Blues celebrated their finals berth with a post on Instagram saying "Keep doubtin us, we just picking the right time, don't care who side u on, there's only one of us in the finals". Moana Pasifika skipper Savea clapped back with "Lions don't care about the opinions of sheep". Shots fired. The scoreline was one apiece in 2025 and next year's clashes are bound to be barnburners. Rating B- 7/10 3.5 stars Moana Pasifika didn't reach the promised land in 2025, but they found their compass. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
