Did Steroids Improve These Athletes’ Performance?

Summary

Josh Kale and Ejaaz Ahamadeen discuss the first Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, where athletes were allowed to use FDA-approved performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision. Only one world record was broken, and natural athletes won several events, raising questions about the effectiveness of doping. The hosts also explore the business side, noting the Enhanced Games SPAC (ENHA) has dropped 50%, and connect the event to broader trends in AI-accelerated biotech and human enhancement.

• The Enhanced Games took place in Las Vegas with $7 million in prizes across swimming, track, weightlifting, and strongman events.
• Only one world record was broken: Christian won the 50m freestyle in 20.81 seconds.
• Several natural athletes, including Hunter Armstrong and Fred Curley, won events against doped competitors.
• 62% of athletes stacked three or more substances, with testosterone, HGH, and stimulants being most common.
• The Enhanced Games SPAC (ENHA) has declined 50% in the last month.
• The event is criticized as a marketing vehicle for biotech supplements rather than a pure athletic competition.
• AI is rapidly accelerating drug discovery, with 173 AI-discovered programs in clinical trials as of mid-2026.
• Investors like Peter Thiel and Balaji support the event, viewing it as a platform for human enhancement and biotech testing.