The Enhanced Games has been criticised for endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) describing it as a “dangerous and irresponsible project”, external.

Proud, who has previously supported UK Anti-Doping’s (Ukad) Clean Sport Week, said he is “not under any obligation to take anything” despite joining the event.

“In order to compete in these games, to be in a position to earn this prize money that you would never see in professional sport, I am forced to retire,” he said.

“There are many different doctors and healthcare specialists who will guide and inform me on decisions. If that was to become the case later on [that I would take performance-enhancing drugs], I would be in good hands to make the best informed decision.”

Only substances approved by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be taken, which is different to the list Wada allows for elite athletes.

Earlier this year, World Aquatics became the first international sport federation to ban athletes, coaches and officials from its events if they have taken part in the Enhanced Games.

“The Enhanced Games is trying to reduce the stigma around some of these substances,” Proud added.

“Some of these things, they have fantastic effects on the body and really limited side effects. Those are the ones to me that are curious – what could you take that makes you feel better, better energy, more recovery, without health risks.”