Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy, who has just broken the 50m freestyle world record dating from 2009, considered it “crazy” to have received no bonus for this feat, while doped athletes could receive a million dollars at the Enhanced Games.
During a competition in Shenzhen (China) on Friday, McEvoy, 31, improved by 3/100th the old world record in the 50m freestyle, which had belonged to Brazilian Cesar Cielo since 2009. This record dated from the era of polyurethane suits, banned since 2010.
“It’s crazy to think that to achieve a world record without a wetsuit and without any performance-enhancing substance, as a clean athlete, the bonus is zero dollars,” the Olympic and world 50m freestyle champion told reporters in his hometown of Brisbane (Australia) on Wednesday.
The starting block from which he broke his record was signed by the Australian and will be kept in a sports museum in Shenzhen. The swimmer, however, said he did not receive any bonuses, adding that he was refused a sponsorship contract because of his age.
Up to 38 years old
McEvoy attributed his record to training that prioritized strength work rather than hours spent in the pool.
A path which “radically contrasts” according to him with the next Enhanced Games planned for Las Vegas in May, “improved” Games where doping will be authorized and regulated.
A bonus of one million dollars is promised to any athlete who goes faster than the world record in the 100m (men and women) on the track and the 50m freestyle (men and women equally).
McEvoy said he is now aiming for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and, further down the line, the home Games in Brisbane in 2032. He will be 38 by then.
“I definitely think I can go faster,” he said.
