Maryam Usman Becomes First Nigerian Athlete to Join Inaugural Enhanced Games

Summary: Maryam Usman will make history as Nigeria’s first athlete to compete at the inaugural Enhanced Games 2026 in Las Vegas. She joins a field of elite international competitors while adding to her decorated career as an Olympic medallist, Commonwealth champion and four-time African weightlifting champion.

Maryam Usman will be the first Nigerian athlete to compete at the inaugural Enhanced Games, a controversial multi-sport event that allows the use of performance-enhancing substances. Founded by Australian businessman Aron D’Souza, the competition is set for May 24, 2026, at Resorts World in Las Vegas.

The Enhanced Games aim to challenge traditional sports restrictions, arguing that athletes should have autonomy over their bodies. The event permits performance-enhancing substances without sanctions or drug testing, attracting both curiosity and criticism from international sporting bodies.

Maryam Usman joins a field of elite international athletes, including Yoni Andica (Colombia), Arley Méndez (Chile), Leidy Solís (Colombia), and Juan Solís (Colombia), all bringing extensive international experience. Other confirmed participants span swimming, athletics, weightlifting, and strongman events, featuring Olympic medallists such as James Magnussen (Australia), Ben Proud (UK), Cody Miller, and Fred Kerley (USA), as well as world-class athletes including Kristian Gkolomeev (Greece), Emmanuel Matadi (Liberia) and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (Iceland).

Rick Adams, Enhanced’s Chief Sporting Officer, described the athletes as “championship-calibre weightlifters” whose participation promises “incredible moments and a strong run at world records.” The company behind the event says the games will showcase both power and technical precision.

As a three-time Olympian and weightlifter, Maryam won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. She is also a four-time African Champion, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and previously claimed bronze at the 2011 World Weightlifting Championships. Competing in the women’s +75kg class, she is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished weightlifters.

She joins a legacy of Nigerian women in weightlifting, following Ruth Ogbeifo, who won silver at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Usman retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics, leaving her as the last Nigerian weightlifter to secure an Olympic medal.

A $500,000 total record bonus will be on offer ($250,000 for Snatch, $250,000 for Clean & Jerk), giving athletes further incentive to push the limits of their performance.