The Enhanced Games, an Olympic-style event that allows the use of performance-enhancing drugs, has faced criticism for what some perceive as a lack of safety and concern for athletes’ health. However, Dr. Aron D’Souza, the event’s founder, has defended his vision, claiming that allowing scientific enhancements will actually make competition safer and fairer. He has enlisted the help of over 50 documentary film production companies to create a behind-the-scenes look at the games in order to educate the public about the potential of scientific enhancements in sports. D’Souza’s goal is to showcase the athletes’ struggles and triumphs, rather than focusing on himself as the CEO of the event.
Australian Olympic swimmer James Magnussen has committed to participating in the Enhanced Games, with the incentive of a $1 million prize if he can break the 50-meter world record – although the record will not be officially recognized. D’Souza believes that Magnussen’s journey, including coming out of retirement at 32 years old, is a compelling story that demonstrates the possibilities of using science to achieve athletic success. He hopes to challenge the notion that athletes are past their prime at a certain age and believes that advancements in science can allow athletes to continue breaking records at even older ages.
D’Souza has drawn inspiration from Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” a series that follows the world of Formula One racing, as a model for the documentary about the Enhanced Games. He views storytelling and communication as crucial aspects of promoting the event and believes that the success of the Formula One series in educating viewers about the sport can be replicated for the Enhanced Games. The documentary will be released in conjunction with the start of the event, although the specific date is still to be determined.
Despite the backlash and controversy surrounding the Enhanced Games, D’Souza remains steadfast in his belief that allowing performance-enhancing drugs will ultimately benefit the athletes and the sporting world as a whole. He hopes that through the documentary and the stories of the athletes involved, the public will gain a better understanding of the potential of scientific advancements in sports. D’Souza’s focus on showcasing the journeys of the athletes and their resilience in the face of challenges reflects his commitment to changing the narrative surrounding performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
The casting call for the documentary will seek to find the 10 athletes who will be featured in the docuseries, highlighting their struggles, opportunities, and ultimate journey in the Enhanced Games. D’Souza emphasizes that the focus should be on the athletes rather than himself, as they are the ones driving the narrative and demonstrating the impact of scientific enhancements in the world of sports. By sharing the personal stories and achievements of these athletes, D’Souza hopes to shift the conversation around the use of performance-enhancing drugs and promote a more nuanced understanding of the role of science in athletics.
