- Rejected a ‘life-changing’ offer of close to $4million
Aussie swim star Kyle Chalmers has rejected a ‘life-changing’ offer to join the Enhanced Games ahead of the inaugural competition being staged in Las Vegas next year.
It is understood Olympic gold medallist Chalmers, 27, was told he could earn close to $4million as well as the opportunity to be an ambassador for the controversial Games.
Chalmers – who became a father in August – turned down the cash as he works towards the LA Olympics in 2028.
His manager Phoebe Rothfield confirmed why the decorated freestyle sprinter won’t defect and take part in Sin City next May.
‘It is life-changing money for a swimmer, or any Australian Olympic athlete, for that matter,’ Rothfield said.
‘It could have set him and his young family up and helped with the mortgage, but Kyle said no from the onset. ‘It was a brief discussion.
Aussie swim star Kyle Chalmers has rejected a ‘life-changing’ offer of just under $4million to join the Enhanced Games ahead of the inaugural competition in Las Vegas next year
Olympic silver medallist James Magnussen didn’t hesitate to join the controversial competition and previously stated he would race while ‘juiced to the gills’
Chalmers’ manager Phoebe Rothfield confirmed the swimmer is working towards the LA Olympics in 2028
‘What drives him is competing for his country, standing on the podium in the green and gold and doing the sport because he loves it.’
Chalmers previously called for more money in swimming and wouldn’t judge any athlete for chasing a head-turning opportunity.
‘Something that’s hard in our sport is there’s not a huge amount of money or prizemoney on offer…and we kind of do it for the love of it,’ he said.
‘I’m not going to be a person that slams swimmers for wanting to go across and make some money and give themselves a better opportunity… or to set their families up.
‘If they want to make that choice, then good on them.’
It comes as other Australian swimmers have reportedly been approached to jump ship – and while some have been tempted, none have joined.
Former Australian swimmer James Magnussen – who retired from competitive swimming after the 2018 Commonwealth Games – was the first athlete to sign for the Enhanced Games and was soon followed by British swimmer Ben Proud.
Olympic 100m silver medallist Fred Kerley also recently defected and the US star stated his aim is to be the quickest track athlete the world has seen.
‘I’m looking forward to this new chapter and competing at the Enhanced Games,’ Kerley said in a statement.
‘The (100m) world record has always been the ultimate goal of my career. This now gives me the opportunity to dedicate all my energy to pushing my limits and becoming the fastest human to ever live.’
The Enhanced Games in Las Vegas will support the use of performance-enhancing drugs and is set to feature swimming, athletics and weightlifting in May 2026.
If any juiced-up athlete breaks a world record, they will be awarded $1.5million in prizemoney, with the Games backed by Aussie entrepreneur Aron D’Souza.
