Cameron McEvoy Stunned by ‘Outrageous’ $1.4 Million World Record Pay Gap as Enhanced Games Face Further Setbacks

Australian swimming icon Cameron McEvoy has expressed his disbelief over the disparity in rewards between clean athletes and those competing under questionable circumstances. While an athlete competing in the Enhanced Games shattered the 50-metre freestyle world record and earned a staggering US$1 million (A$1.4 million), McEvoy received absolutely nothing in bonus money despite achieving a faster time without resorting to performance-enhancing methods.

Last Friday, McEvoy showcased his remarkable return to form by clocking an astonishing 20.88 seconds at the China Open, eclipsing the previous world record of 20.91 seconds set by Brazil’s César Cielo in 2009.

Cielo’s record was established during the notorious “super-suits” era, a time when over 200 world records fell between 2008 and 2009 due to advanced swimsuit technology.

The influx of record-setting swims led FINA, the global governing body for swimming, to outlaw the controversial suit technology.

Meanwhile, Enhanced Games athlete Kristian Gkolomeev from Greece wore a polyurethane suit akin to those used during the super-suits era, managing a time of 20.89 seconds in North Carolina last February. Gkolomeev also tested positive for banned performance-enhancing substances as per the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency and World Aquatics.

In an interview with the media, including Wide World of Sports, McEvoy addressed the striking contrast in rewards for clean athletes versus those in the Enhanced Games.

“It’s astounding to think that breaking a world record as a clean athlete yields no financial reward,” McEvoy stated. “In contrast, if I took the easier option and donned a super suit—which could potentially slip my time by half a second—and added performance-enhancing drugs, I could earn not only one million US dollars in bonuses but also 250,000 for coming first. In total, that’s over $2 million, yet the clean path yields absolutely nothing, despite being significantly tougher.”

“It’s utterly ludicrous and unfortunate that such a pathway is valued at zip, highlighting the lack of recognition for true achievements in sports.”

McEvoy continued, expressing his dismay at the current state of the sporting landscape. “It’s mind-blowing to observe this stark contrast.”

The US$250,000 (A$358,000) prize mentioned by McEvoy will be introduced at the first edition of the Enhanced Games, set to take place in Las Vegas from May 21-24. Competitors in swimming, track and field, or weightlifting will vie for substantial cash rewards, including US$1.4 million for breaking a world record.

World Aquatics does offer incentives for world records at major championships, but these amounts are significantly less than what the Enhanced Games promises. For instance, during last year’s World Championships in Singapore, a mere $43,000 was awarded for each record achieved, while the World Cup circuit in 2025 offered only $14,000.

The China Open did not offer any record bonuses, as it operates independently of World Aquatics.

Australian swimming great Cate Campbell recently voiced her criticism of the Enhanced Games, labelling it as “hyped but lacking in credibility.” She also referred to its participants as “lazy” and “cheats.”

McEvoy echoed similar sentiments about the controversial initiative. “While my perspective may be biased as a traditional athlete, the Enhanced Games have not garnered good public reception or credibility,” he noted.

He added, “It’s generally regarded with skepticism, and many perceive it as more of an exhibition event rather than a serious competition.” McEvoy believes his record time reinforces the lack of competition within the Enhanced Games compared to traditional sporting environments.

Amid the buzz of reporters along the Brisbane River, McEvoy was joined by his wife Madeline and their one-year-old son Hartley, who sported a cute shirt made by family friends that proudly declared, “My daddy’s cool … 20.88.”