Berlin, Germany – The National Anti-Doping Agency of Germany (NADA) has expressed concern over the “Enhanced Games” scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, USA, in 2026. The agency’s chief, Lars Mortsiefer, stated at a press conference in Berlin that the plans are “misleading and fundamentally false”.
Mortsiefer emphasized that the proposed format, which allows and promotes the use of performance-enhancing substances and methods, sets the wrong incentives, downplays health risks and poses a serious challenge to a society’s healthcare system. He also expressed great concern about the impact on young athletes, as the Enhanced Games not only convey false ideals but also have the potential to create negative role models that could influence young athletes in a negative way.
The NADA chief also addressed the public perception of anti-doping work in the past year, stating that a strong international anti-doping effort relies on a unified and transparent approach from all parties involved. However, the anti-doping work has lost significant trust due to various events in the past year and the agency is calling for a constructive dialogue to regain this trust.
Mortsiefer emphasized the need for a worldwide harmonization of the rules, as this is essential for fairness and equal opportunities in sports. The NADA is advocating for a strong, independent rule-setting body and is incorporating this demand into the current review of the World Anti-Doping Code, involving athletes in the process.