Statement from Sport Ireland on Shane Ryan’s decision to join Enhanced Games 

Sport Ireland is deeply disappointed that swimmer Shane Ryan has decided to take part in the Enhanced Games.     

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.    

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.     

At Sport Ireland we remain committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in sport. We are dedicated to exercising the highest duty of care towards our athletes and to safeguarding the integrity of sport. We will continue to uphold the values of clean sport and are opposed to the Enhanced Games concept.