Olympic Federation 'disappointed' by Shane Ryan's decision to join Enhanced Games
Kenneth Fox
Both the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Swim Ireland are "disappointed" by Irish swimmer Shane Ryan's decision to join The Enhanced Games.
The controversial event allows participants to use performance-enhancing drugs and will not follow the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland released a statement after the announcement, saying, "We are very disappointed to hear about Shane Ryan’s decision.
"Although he recently announced his retirement from competitive swimming, the area he is moving into stands in direct opposition to our core clean sport values – values that underpin the Olympic Movement, Irish sport, and the World Anti-Doping Code, values that we all have a duty to uphold."
A statement from Swim Ireland. pic.twitter.com/npqKOIZ9HB
— Swim Ireland (@swimireland) October 13, 2025
Meanwhile, Swim Ireland said it is committed to elevating Ireland's world ranking through dedication, innovation, and adherence to the highest standards of clean competition.
They said: "We believe that true athletic excellence is achieved through hard work and fair play, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to Sport Ireland and WADA’s anti-doping regulations.
"In that light, we are disappointed by Shane Ryan’s decision to sign an agreement with the Enhanced Games and can advise that in line with his retirement in October, he is no longer associated with Swim Ireland’s National Team and further to that, will not be provided with any funding or services by the NGB going forward."
The three-time Olympian previously won two bronze medals at the World Swimming Championships and represented his country at the Olympic Games in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris.
He says he's looking forward to finding the "absolute maximum of what my body is truly capable of".
"I've always wanted to know the absolute maximum of what my body is truly capable of, and here, with the focus on athlete health, safety, and transparency, I finally get that chance.
"I'm ready to embrace this new era and hopefully smash my personal bests and challenge the world records."
The event, which has been condemned by the IOC, is due to get underway in Las Vegas in May 2026.
The Enhanced Games is a multi-sport event founded by Australian businessman Aron D'Souza. D'Souza claims he created the event because he believes that athletes are entitled to do what they wish with their own bodies.
