'He is filthy': Controversial result that sparked latest Sun Yang drama
While the final of the men’s 200 metres freestyle at the FINA World Championship will likely be remembered for Sun Yang’s controversial behaviour after the medal ceremony, the moment that sparked it has been lost in the wash.
The controversial Chinese swimmer claimed the gold medal after Lithuania’s Danas Rapsys, who was first to the wall, was disqualified for a false start.
Rapsys moved by just a fraction on the block before the starting buzzer - enough for officials to slap him with a DQ.
The disqualification also promoted British swimmer Duncan Scott to third place - which ultimately resulted in the second protest of a Yang victory at this World Championships.
Scott later told the BBC he was disappointed to have reached the podium in such fashion.
"I'm pretty disappointed with the time but when you get to this level time goes out the window and it's about getting in the top three.
"I think (Rapsys' DQ) it was his start, there aren't many other ways in freestyle.
"It's hard as I'm gaining off someone else's misfortune and I would have liked to have won it outright, but I'll take it."
Rapsys was less than pleased with the disqualification, quickly leaving the pool in frustration.
Rapsys moved on the blocks, wins but gets the DQ. He is filthy, straight through the mixed zone without stopping. Sun plays to the crowd again; not the time to gloat given the circumstances. That's why he rubsa lot of swimmers the wrong way.
— Phil Lutton (@phillutton78) July 23, 2019
Swimming world erupts over Sun Yang ‘disgrace’
Swimming stars and fans have condemned Sun Yang over ugly scenes at the world championships on Tuesday.
FINA were forced to send out more warning letters over another podium protest directed at Sun in South Korea.
Scott followed the lead of Australia's Mack Horton and refused to acknowledge the Chinese star at the medal ceremony.
Co-bronze medallist Scott stood on the podium but did not shake the triple Olympic champion's hand or took part in the ceremony's photo shoot, prompting an angry reaction from the now 11-time world champion Sun.
Sun could be seen gesticulating wildly at Scott post-ceremony, with TV cameras capturing the Chinese champion saying: "You loser, I am winning".
This is disgusting behaviour!! This is awful sportsmanship. Sun Yang should not be allowed to keep his medal. #DuncanScott #SunYang #WorldChamps #Swimming https://t.co/VSvAQMwKGI
— Miss_Ralph_PE (@MsRalphPE1) July 23, 2019
Absolutely disgusting behaviour from Sun Yang this evening towards Great Britain’s Duncan Scott. I am shocked, that’s the worst sportsmanship I have seen in the sport of swimming. Rebecca hit the nail on the head, that really was disappointing. #Gwangju2019
— elsbeth♥️ (@elsbethroper) July 23, 2019
we didn't think this idiot could disgrace the sport of swimming any more than he has already ... but he just has
'You're a loser, I'm a winner' - ugly scenes as GB's Duncan Scott refuses to share podium with Sun Yang , and get abused as a result ... https://t.co/0jnY2Fw5Ol pic.twitter.com/NEbyXPNlZ7— Big Ricks Swim Team (@RicksSwim) July 23, 2019
Scott kept his cool during the exchange, smiling at Sun but both the Briton and the Chinese swimmer were soon issued with warning letters from FINA for their "inadequate behaviour".
Scott showed no sign of backing down after the controversial 200m ceremony drama, saying he was "Team Mack".
"If (Sun) can't respect our sport, then why should I respect him?," Scott said.
"Hopefully this will happen in more events."
