Ben Proud has become the first British athlete to sign up for the Enhanced Games, where competitors can use performance-enhancing drugs that are usually banned, with Aquatics GB and UK Sport condemning the decision.
The 30-year-old swimmer, who won silver in the 50m freestyle at the Paris Olympics last summer, announced that he will join the controversial event scheduled for Las Vegas in May 2026.
His choice has sparked fierce backlash from swimming authorities.
Aquatics GB said they were "immensely disappointed" and condemned his decision "in the strongest terms."
UK Sport went even further, saying they're now urgently reviewing whether Proud should keep receiving public funding.
Ben Proud has become the first British athlete to sign up for the Enhanced Games
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They called the Enhanced Games "the absolute antithesis" of their philosophy and said it risks athletes' health while destroying fans' trust in sport.
Proud holds British records in both the 50m freestyle and butterfly events. He has won world and European championships in the 50m freestyle and claimed gold in the 50m butterfly at the 2017 World Championships.
Despite his impressive career, he narrowly missed Olympic gold in Paris, finishing just 0.05 seconds behind Australia's Cameron McEvoy.
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The Enhanced Games will feature swimming, weightlifting and track and field events. Winners can pocket $250,000 per event, with an extra $1million bonus for anyone breaking world records in the 100m sprint or 50m freestyle.
Athletes will be allowed to use FDA-approved substances under medical supervision. The inaugural event promises to be an annual competition, though it's already banned participants from competing in traditional international events.
The backlash he has received is particularly striking because Proud previously supported anti-doping campaigns.
He took part in UK Anti-Doping's Clean Sport Week and has been vocal about keeping sport clean.
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His teammates Adam Peaty and Duncan Scott have both spoken out strongly against doping in the past.
World Aquatics became the first international federation to ban anyone involved in the Enhanced Games from their events earlier this year.
Proud defended his choice, telling the BBC: "I think it opens up the potential avenue to excel in a very different way.
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Ben Proud defended his decision, claiming the move will allow him to 'excel in a very different way'
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"I really respect the sport I've been part of, and I would never step back in knowing I've done something which isn't in the rules."
The swimmer said he views traditional sport and the Enhanced Games as "two very separate entities." He called doping in clean sports "a complete no-go" and said he has "no time for that."
He said: "If you were part of my life for the past 12, 13 years, you'd see how much time you have to allocate to making sure we're available to be tested on a daily basis."
He admitted feeling frustrated that anti-doping agencies can't guarantee everyone competes clean. "It'll always be a cat and mouse game," he said.
UK Anti-Doping's chief Jane Rumble called it "incredibly disappointing" that any British athlete would join an event that "flies in the face of the true spirit of sport."
The British Olympic Association said they "remain vehemently opposed" to what they see as "a cynical and dangerous event."
Proud stressed that Enhanced Games organisers "aren't asking me to take anything" and that only FDA-approved substances are allowed.
"Everything's readily available to the general public. It's done under very strict supervision from doctors and health care professionals," he said.
He hasn't decided what substances he might use yet, saying he'll need months to learn about options.