LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — The drug-fueled Enhanced Games have put competing athletes under scrutiny, with critics asking why they signed up for a pro-doping competition that is potentially dangerous for their health, and to young viewers who could be tempted to emulate them.

Asked for their motivations ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas multi-sport event, the responses ranged from the spikily defiant to the purely mercenary — with a smattering of caution.

Retired Australian Olympic swimmer James Magnussen, who confirmed he has taken five banned substances from a list including testosterone, peptides and anabolic steroids, said he was not concerned because use of the drugs was already rife among friends back home.