Sport Ireland warn about severe, long-lasting medical problems associated with using performance-enhancing drugs
The 31-year-old swimmer released a statement last week saying he was “stepping away from competition”, but today was unveiled by the Enhanced Games as one of the athletes who will compete in the events, which takes places in Las Vegas next May.
“After a decade dedicated to traditional competition on the world’s highest stage, I’m excited to dive into this next chapter with the Enhanced Games,” said Ryan, who was born in Philadelphia but opted to compete for the country of his father.
“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.”
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The OFI insist Ryan’s decision goes against their core values.
Their statement read: “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.”
Sport Ireland warned about the potential “long-lasting medical problems” associated with using performance-enhancing drugs.
“This event, which allows the use of performance-enhancing substances and methods, risks compromising athlete wellbeing and sends an insidious message – especially to all young athletes,” they said in a statement.
“At Sport Ireland we are dedicated to safeguarding athlete health and defending the rights of the clean athlete.
“We are disappointed that any Irish high-performance athlete, past or present, would support an event which is so at odds with our values. It is the absolute antithesis of our work on behalf of the clean athlete. We condemn everything that the Enhanced Games stands for.
“Performance-enhancing drugs aren’t just banned because they can give athletes an unfair advantage. Many are banned because they can seriously harm athletes’ health. Some of these substances can cause severe, long-lasting medical problems. In extreme cases, athletes have died from using these dangerous drugs.”
Swim Ireland also expressed their disappointment.
“Swim Ireland is committed to elevating our world ranking through dedication, innovation, and adherence to the highest standards of clean competition,” read their statement.
“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.”
Ryan is multiple Irish record holder and was the winner of Ireland’s first ever World Short Course medal after claiming bronze at the 2018 championships in China. He also won bronze in the same event in 2024. He competed at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympics for Ireland.
