Face of Nation : After all, it’s not the first time the young Australian has come under fire on social media — and it’s unlikely to be the last.
On the opening night of the FINA swimming world championships in South Korea, Horton refused to share the podium with the Chinese swimmer, who beat him in the 400-metres freestyle final.
During the medal presentation, the 23-year-old Victorian stood behind the dais, as Sun — who was suspended for three months for doping in 2014 — claimed the gold. Italy’s Gabriele Detti picked up bronze. His stance against Sun, who he called a “drug cheat” at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was met with a swift and predictable response from Sun’s supporters.
In addition to calling him disrespectful, other commentary — both in social media and the local Chinese press — labelled Horton as “poorly educated” and “rude”. Sun himself responded strongly to Horton’s protest during the post-race press conference.
“Disrespecting me was OK, but disrespecting China was unfortunate,” Sun said. “No matter how reluctant you [Horton] were, you must step on the podium.” Sun faces fresh allegations of doping rules violations which could see him banned from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
He was, however, cleared by the sport’s governing body, FINA, to swim at the world championships. Meanwhile, Horton’s decision to not take his place on the victory dais was applauded by other Olympians.
Australian four-time Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett said she was “extremely proud” of Horton’s actions. “[Sun] is a drug cheat — he has been proven to be a drug cheat,” Trickett told the ABC.
“As swimmers, we need to expect more from the governing body and they need to do more to help the athletes create the clean sport that we want to see.” However, the former head of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority used Twitter to suggest Horton “should attract a heavy penalty” from FINA.
Horton’s protest came on the same night Australia’s Ariarne Titmus beat Katie Ledecky in the 400-metres freestyle final. It’s the first time the American superstar has lost a major international final in the event.
