Efimova’s presence at the games has been controversial, with some fans booing her and even her fellow swimmers turning on her. US swimmer Lilly King took issue with Efimova at the 100-meter breaststroke, saying, “You’re shaking your finger “No. 1” and you’ve been caught for drug cheating“.
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A Russian swimmer claimed the West was launching a new Cold War over Olympics drug-cheating allegations on Tuesday as a bitter row between athletes intensified in Rio.
The Chinese swimmer tested positive in 2014.
“You’re shaking your finger “No. 1″ and you’ve been caught for drug cheating”, King later said. But ultimately, the facts tell all, and one fact that is indisputable is that King beat Efimova for the gold medal despite her past doping.
Enter American Lilly King, who posted the best semifinal 100 meter breaststroke time in her particular heat. When asked, the Russian replied, “What would [King] say about Michael Phelps?”. She has been allowed to participate in Rio, despite prior drug testing issues.
Lilly King is an invaluable member of team U.S. because of her boss swimming abilities, yes – but also because she’s a master of shade.
“I have also received a lot of support”, Efimova said. King’s statements were also backed by legendary swimmer and US co-captain Michael Phelps, who expressed a similar sentiment.
There were loud jeers before the start of the race for Efimova, who has twice been suspended for doping offences. Nevertheless, the International Olympic Committee decided not to ban all Russian athletes, as requested.
The American swimmer won gold in the 100-meter breaststroke. A stunning swim. And with that, a win for clean athletes everywhere in an Olympics where no one is sure the playing field is really level. She has arguably been the most controversial part of the 2016 Olympics, and isn’t helping her image anytime she speaks. She didn’t approve of Yulia Efimova being allowed to compete, and the feud was very clear during the event. “But that was all I could do right now”.
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Yefimova won silver in women’s 100m and 200m breaststroke at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “If someone likes it or dislikes it, if they have a different opinion then they just have to go in front of the Court of Arbitration”, she said.
