Doping athlete on shock photo: – Looks extreme

Australian swimmer James Magnussen, 35, has openly discussed his significant physical transformation, acknowledging that he has used performance-enhancing drugs for the upcoming Enhanced Games in Las Vegas. The swimmer confronted a before-and-after image comparison, where one photo showed him as a younger, leaner athlete and the other depicted his current, more muscular physique.

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It looks extreme, he admits at first.

Magnussen explained that the younger photo captured him at age 20, weighing 94 kilograms during his peak career. The more recent image, taken at age 34, reflects his participation in a doping program and subsequent weight training after an eight-year retirement. "Man gets a bit bigger with age," he stated, noting that he weighed 114 kilograms for the "after" photo but plans to compete at 97 kilograms.

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Let me explain: In the first picture, I was 20 years old and weighed 94 kilos. I was at the peak of my career. In the second picture, I am 34 years old and have followed a program (doping). I had retired for eight years and trained weights. Man gets a bit bigger with age.

He confirmed that he was doping-free during his active career but is now open about using performance-enhancing substances for the Enhanced Games, though he is withholding specific details to maintain a competitive advantage. "I'll keep you in suspense," he said, adding that he would reveal some substances if he wins the competition. Magnussen is set to compete in the controversial Enhanced Games, which openly encourage doping and offer substantial prize money.

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On the 'after' picture, I weighed 114 kilos. When I compete on Sunday, I will weigh 97 kilos.

Organizers of the Enhanced Games have defended the event's safety. Medical director Guido Pieles dismissed claims that athletes are being used as "lab rats," asserting that the risks are not as high as suggested and that critics have not reviewed the published protocols. The games, however, face widespread criticism from various international figures who deem the event unethical and a potential threat to traditional sports.

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I'll keep you in suspense. But when these products become available to everyone in Australia, I'll tell you how you can look like me.