Australia

Competition next to the Olympic pool

Must name a participant in the Olympic games a competitor, a “priest imposter”? A confrontation between the Australians Mack Horton and the Chinese Sun Yang of heated discussion in the social networks.

Before the final of the 400 meters free style in Rio, the 20-year-old Australian Mack Horton said to his Chinese rival Sun Yang, he would have to do with a “priest imposter”. Shortly thereafter, Horton defeated his 1.98 metres large opponent with 0.13 seconds and won Gold. Later, Horton added that he had was a Problem with the Sun, which had already been tested positive, participate still struggling to betting.

In fact, had been proven to the Chinese free-style swimmer Sun Yang 2014 a banned substance. According to the Olympic champion of 2012 have taken “accidentally heart tablets”. Three months followed lock, however, in a competition-free time.

Sun did not want to let the accusation Hortons to sit and countered in the Australian TV: “Who is because Mack Horton?”

Mack Horton won Gold in Rio to the final of the 400 meters free style

Apology demanded

The unsportsmanlike taunts have now reached a larger Dimension. The Chinese swimming Association had on Sunday (07.08.) to asked his Australian counterpart, in writing, an apology. From the perspective of the Chinese Association of Horton Sun have offended, “maliciously and he looked down talks”. It was “unfair and naughty”.

“The feelings of the Chinese people are hurt,” said Xu Qi, team leader of the Chinese swimmers in Rio. In fact, the dispute in the social media in China is a Top topic. Horton was offended by China’s Internet users in the strongest possible terms.

Sun wants to win the 1500 metres free style Gold

Freedom of speech

The Australian Olympic sports Confederation (AOC) evaluated the testimony of Horton is different. “He is allowed to Express his opinion freely,” says an Australian sports official. “His Statement serves to make the Sport cleaner. I wish him the best of luck!” Mark Else, Chairman of the Association of Swimming Australia, said: “We support our athletes and have confidence that you will say to always be respectful, open and transparent your mind. Mack (Horton) has spoken, and we support him absolutely.”

In sports, it not only meets once. Horton, and Sun are in the same pool on Friday (13.08.) once again against each other over the 1500 meters free running style. “I’m the king in this discipline,” announces the Sun self-consciously. Horton focuses on the Training and is silent.