British swimming star refuses to share podium with Chinese drug cheat sparking on stage row at World Championships
BRITISH swimming star Duncan Scott refused to share the podium with Chinese drug cheat Sun Yang leading to an animated row at the World Championships. Scott, 22, finished joint-third in the 200m freestyle in Gwangju, South Korea – level with Russia’s Martin Malyutin. In front of a packed house, Katsuhiro Matsumoto finished second, with Sun, […]
BRITISH swimming star Duncan Scott refused to share the podium with Chinese drug cheat Sun Yang leading to an animated row at the World Championships.
Scott, 22, finished joint-third in the 200m freestyle in Gwangju, South Korea – level with Russia’s Martin Malyutin.
In front of a packed house, Katsuhiro Matsumoto finished second, with Sun, 27, finishing way ahead in first.
In 2012, Sun became the first Chinese man to win Olympic gold in the swimming pool.
But two years later, he was forced to serve a three-month ban after he tested positive for banned stimulant trimetazidine.
And after the race, the top-four took their place on the podium to receive their medals.
But then, they were asked to pose for a photo, to which they all obliged – with the exception of Scott, who stayed on his third-placed berth.
The crowd at the World Championships were very vocal too as they booed the stars off the podium as the snub turned into a war of words and some vigorous finger wagging.
If he can’t respect our sport then why should I respect him?
Scott on Sun
Scott’s snub was the second such incident this week alone, after Australian Mack Horton failed to pose for a picture with Sun – calling him a “drug cheat” and letting it be known he’s furious the Chinese swimmer is still allowed to compete.
After the row, Scott revealed: “I’m team Mack. If [Sun] can’t respect our sport then why should I respect him?
“I think a lot of people, everyone in swimming, got behind what Mack did. Hopefully this will happen in more events.”
Despite too boos in Gwangju, fans on Twitter have flocked to Scott’s defence, praising his morals.
One social media user said: “Standing up for what you believe in. Good for you @Dunks_Scott”.
Another added: Well done @Dunks_Scott Sun Yang doesn’t deserve to be standing on that podium!
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“You hold your head high! He’s an embarrassment to himself and his country!”
A third claimed: “@Dunks_Scott Congratulations for taking a stance, that’s called integrity! Dopers don’t belong in a podium.”
Another tweeter said: “Credit to Duncan Scott. More integrity in his little finger than that dope.”
