“We will support any natural or enhanced athlete denied the option to make this choice - both by providing them with an opportunity to compete and win - or by providing legal support against World Aquatics in the case of any challenge,” D’Souza said. “This ban isn’t about protecting athletes. It’s about protecting a monopoly. World Aquatics hasn’t paid its athletes for decades. Now, faced with real competition and real momentum, they’ve fallen back on threats and bullying tactics. “Excellence should always be rewarded, and these exceptional athletes deserve exceptional compensation. We’ll continue to fight for all athletes to ensure they receive it.” In a separate statement, the Enhanced Games said: “This isn’t the first time World Aquatics (formerly FINA) has tried to block progress. ... At the [Paris] Olympics, even World Athletics offered prize money. World Aquatics and its President, Husain al Musallam, did not.”