British swimmer Ben Proud took the internet by storm when he announced his decision to retire from traditional swimming and join the upcoming enhanced games. His decision was strongly condemned by Aquatics Great Britain, and the national governing body of the sport released a statement on social media expressing their disappointment in Proud's decision.Ben Proud shared a detailed statement on social media while opening up about his decision to join the enhanced games. The British swimmer shared that he had achieved everything that he had set out for and was deeply satisfied with his achievements as a professional swimmer for 15 years. Proud expressed that he wanted to try something new and witness the capabilities of his body while being able to capitalize on it as a swimmer, which ultimately led him to decide to join the enhanced games."I've reached a point where I feel deeply satisfied with everything I've achieved in my career. My heart is full of contentment and I know, I am ready to move on and embrace something new. That is why I will be retiring from traditional sport to compete in the Enhanced Games," read an excerpt from his note.Soon after his announcement, the national governing body of swimming in Great Britain, Aquatics GB, released a statement condemning the British swimmer's move and stated that the organization firmly stands behind the principles of clean sport."Aquatics GB is immensely disappointed in Ben Proud's announcement to sign with the Enhanced Games. Aquatics GB, along with our partners, stand firmly behind the values and principles of clean sport and condemn Ben's decision in the strongest terms. A further statement will be issued in due course," read the official statement.In the process, Ben Proud has now become the first British athlete to join the enhanced games.Ben Proud reflects on his career as a swimmerProud in Singapore at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships - Day 22: Swimming - Source: GettyBen Proud reflected on his career as a swimmer while sharing a detailed message about his decision to retire from traditional swimming. The British swimmer expressed how swimming has played an integral role in shaping him as a person.Moreover, Proud shared that he always tried to improve to be the best version of himself while stepping into the pool to compete against some of the best athletes in the world."For 15 years, swimming has defined me. It has shaped my decisions, my sacrifices, and the direction of my life. Every move I made - where I lived, how I trained, what I gave up - was in the pursuit of being the best version of myself in the pool, of proving I am capable on the world stage," he wrote.Ben Proud expressed his gratitude for being able to experience the Olympic Games, the World Aquatics Championships, and the British National Team.