Evan Dunfee’s recent victory at the World Athletics Championships in Japan has taken on greater significance beyond just winning a gold medal and receiving a $70,000 US reward. Following his triumph, the race walker from Richmond, B.C., utilized his newfound platform to address a topic close to his heart: ethical sport.
The catalyst for Dunfee’s advocacy was a message on social media from an individual claiming affiliation with the Enhanced Games, a new sports venture supported by billionaires that allows the use of performance-enhancing drugs without any regulations or testing. Dunfee, known for his work as a KidSport ambassador and motivational speaker in schools, found the message unsettling.
In response, Dunfee emphasized the value of athletes inspiring their communities through hard work and dedication to their dreams, contrasting it with the ethos of the Enhanced Games, which he described as promoting a culture of doping and undermining the integrity of clean sportsmanship.
Expressing his concerns, Dunfee criticized the Enhanced Games for prioritizing extreme performance enhancement over personal growth and well-being, highlighting the potential risks associated with such practices.
Support for Dunfee’s stance comes from Trent Stellingwerff, a leading sports physiologist at the Canadian Sports Institute Pacific, who likened the Enhanced Games’ approach to professional wrestling, citing concerns about the long-term health implications and ethical considerations.
Stellingwerff, who is set to participate in a sport science symposium in Toronto, plans to engage with the Enhanced Games CEO, seeking clarification on the scientific basis and ethical standards of the organization’s practices. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding athletes’ health and holistic development in the pursuit of sporting excellence.
The Enhanced Games have faced widespread criticism, with World Aquatics announcing a lifetime ban for any swimmer involved in the competition, and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency condemning it as a reckless endeavor.
In a twist of fate, Dunfee highlighted that the prize money he received for his gold medal win was augmented by fines imposed on nations for doping violations, underscoring the financial repercussions of unethical behavior in sports.
