Aussie team stands by Mack Horton in China swimming feud
It’s the rivalry that has the swimming world talking and one that looks like it’s not going to die down any time soon, as the Australian team has flatly rejected calls for an apology from China, following post-race comments from Australian swimmer Mack Horton.
Horton made headlines when, after winning the 400 metre freestyle on the opening night of the Rio Games, he suggested Chinese swimmer Sun Yang was a drug cheat.
China has demanded an apology from Horton, who has been mercilessly attacked by internet users following the statement, but the International Olympic Committee says it has not received a formal complaint at this stage and will not investigate any further.
This has been backed up by comments from Australian chef de mission Kitty Chiller, who said, “Mack obviously has very strong views about the need for clean sport, as every single one of us does. We have no intention of making an apology.”
Chiller added that she didn’t think Horton would be too fazed by the incident, “Mack is in a pretty good place. He's got probably his best event coming up in a few days and I know he, like all the swimmers, are focused on their own event, their own lane,”
“I would hazard a guess that it wouldn't affect him at all.”
What’s your take? Do you think enough it being done to prevent doping in sport?
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Image credit: Twitter / Neil McMahon
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