The Mountain attempts to break own record at Enhanced Games

Like the Olympics, only with all of the steroids actually allowed, the Enhanced Games has its inaugural event today (24 May).

As long as the substances are FDA-approved and used under medical supervision, athletes can use performance-enhancers without being subject to drug tests.

That doesn’t mean its mandatory that the participants use the substances but we’re set to see, well, some sights let’s say.

Among those taking part is The Mountain himself, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, who is hoping to break his own record at Resorts World in Las Vegas, US.

Perhaps also better known as Thor, he’s previously been tipped as the ‘world’s strongest man’. The 37-year-old says himself that he is the ‘best dead lifter on this planet’ as he claims he’s never been as prepared for anything as he is for today’s Enhanced Games.

Last year, Thor set the all-time deadlift world record at an absolute whopping 510kg (1,124lbs).

And Bryan Johnson, the biohacker who will be commentating at the controversial sporting event, wrote on X: “I’ll be reviewing Thor's protocols and measurements. And he is going to attempt to break his own world record.”

The Icelandic professional strongman has a whole host of international titles and 129 world records, making him the most prolific record breaker in the history of strength sports.

“Thor is a globally recognised icon, a literal mountain in both sports and entertainment and we are thrilled he’s participating in the Games,” said Maxmillian Martin, CEO of Enhanced.

“There are very few - if any - people on the planet who can match Thor’s sheer power and the spectacle that only he can create with a global audience.”

Also known for playing Ser Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane in Game of Thrones, the star said he was attracted to the games by being able to ‘defy what was previously thought human possible’.

“I believe what the team at Enhanced is embarking on – to change the conversation about what is possible in sport will be historic and I wanted to be a part of that,” he added.

“I can’t wait to try and beat my record and shake the floor in Las Vegas.”

Thor said he’s been ‘locked in’, training for 20 weeks for the Enhanced Games, and while his opposition Mitchell Hooper is a ‘strong guy’, he reckons he’s a ‘level above him’ when it comes to dead lifting.

“World record is coming,” he added.

Why were the Enhanced Games created?

The idea for the Enhanced Games first came about in 2023 when Australian entrepreneur Aron D'Souza wanted elite, professional athletes to 'be in charge of how they look after their bodies, what they eat, and what they put in their bodies', according to Sky Sports.

This is how he came up with the Enhanced Games, which allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subject to drug tests.

The Games 'challenge traditional models of sport by embracing science, innovation, and measurable performance enhancement under regulated conditions', according to the official website.

D'Souza's idea was backed by a venture capital fund which includes Donald Trump Jr - the son of the US president - and billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel. After being launched as a concept, in which it was presented as an opportunity to beat 'world records' for cash prizes up to $1 million, the first official event has begun.

While athletes competing in the events, which includes the likes of swimming, athletics and weightlifting, are allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs that are approved by the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain substances are still banned, including heroin and cocaine.

The Enhanced Games also said it will carry out some doping measures under medical supervision.

What are the rules on doping at the Enhanced Games?

Though the Enhanced Games allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances to compete - such as testosterone, anabolic steroids, hormones and growth factors (including HGH and EPO), metabolic modulators and stimulants - there are still rules for them to follow.

And it certainly isn't a free-for-all when it comes to using substances.

Competitors are limited to only using substances that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning drugs such as cocaine, heroin and other illicit, non-prescription drugs are strictly prohibited.

However, there will be medical supervision for the athletes using performance-enhancing substances, which will see them undergo continuous physiological monitoring and medical profiling to prevent dangerous over-use

And it's important to note that athletes don't have to use these substances to compete - 'un-enhanced' athletes are also welcome to compete, which helps to establish a format that tests both medically augmented and entirely natural physical limits.