Russian swimmer Somov will participate in the "Olympics on steroids"

Russian swimmer Evgeny Somov became the first Russian representative to apply for participation in the Enhanced Games— a competition where doping is allowed. This was announced on December 8 by Sport-Express.

The athletic director of the tournament, Rick Adams, said that the participation of renowned swimmers will significantly strengthen the fight at the upcoming starts.

"The arrival of these incredibly talented and experienced international swimmers will definitely boost competition in the pool at the first Improved Games," he stressed.

The competition will be held in May 2026 in Las Vegas. Somov is 26 years old, he is a multiple world and European junior champion and competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in a neutral status. In addition to him, athletes from Colombia, Brazil, Ireland and Poland, as well as a weightlifter and a sprinter representing the Dominican Republic and Liberia, submitted an application.

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Earlier, on November 25, it was reported that Olympic swimming champion Penelope Oleksiak from Canada was disqualified for two years for violating anti-doping rules. The suspension will begin on July 15, 2025 and last until July 14, 2027. All individual results of the athlete obtained since June 16, 2025, will be canceled, including medals, points and prizes.

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