Ben Proud’s Journey: From World Championships Glory to Controversial Career Shift

Recent Achievements and Career Milestone

Ben Proud has continued his remarkable streak of success, securing a silver medal in the Men’s 50m Freestyle at the Singapore 2025 World Championships – his tenth consecutive medal in major championship finals, a streak dating back to 2021.

Singapore 2025 Performance

The British sprint specialist demonstrated his expertise with a brilliant start and underwater phase in the final. Despite leading for much of the race, he was narrowly overtaken by Australia’s Cameron McEvoy in the closing metres. Proud’s time of 21.26 in the final marked his fastest swim since 2018.

Career Achievements

As a competitive swimmer representing Great Britain, Proud has specialized in sprint freestyle and butterfly races, particularly excelling in 50-metre events. His achievements include being the 2022 World Champion in the 50 metre freestyle and the 2017 world champion in the 50-metre butterfly. Notably, he is only the third male swimmer to simultaneously hold both short-course and long-course World Champion titles in 50 metre freestyle.

Surprising Career Announcement

In a significant career move, Proud has recently announced his retirement from traditional swimming to join the Enhanced Games, a new competition set to begin next year that will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs. The Olympic silver medalist views this as an opportunity to test new limits, expressing excitement about this new journey after his successful traditional career.

Impact and Reactions

The decision has sparked controversy in the swimming community, with several professional swimmers expressing criticism. Great Britain Aquatics has officially expressed disappointment regarding Proud’s decision to join the controversial Enhanced Games.