"Sun Yang and the Chinese swimming community are paying attention to this, what do you want to say to them?"
"I don't think there's much to say."
"What about him (Sun Yang)personally?"
"I think my attitude is already clear."
In an interview with the Australian media (seven networks) after the Gwangju World Championships series, Mark Horton said that his refusal to take the stage to receive the award was not for Sun Yang and China, but for the swimming management agency.
At the 18th Swimming World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, Sun Yang won the men's 400m self-title with a time of 3:42.44, and Australia's Horton finished second. But in the subsequent award ceremony, Horton refused to stand on the podium and refused to take a photo with Sun Yang and bronze medalist Italy's Deti.
According to Seven Network, Horton recalled the psychological process of not going on stage to receive the award in an interview, saying he was not quite sure if he had hesitated, "feeling nervous and embarrassed on the spot, not knowing what to do." But people suddenly realized what was going on and started supporting me. I started to get emotional, thinking I was right to do it. ”
Asked how the other athletes would react when they returned to the village, Horton said: "I walked into the restaurant, the American team first came to me to show my support, and then the other athletes in the restaurant also expressed their support, and the atmosphere was high. I think I was more determined than standing on the podium. ”
For Sun Yang, Horton said, "I don't think there's anything good to say about him." ”
"Is this a personal vendetta?"
"Not at all, it's not a problem for China and Australia, it's not a matter for China and the rest of the world, it's a problem for swimming management agencies."
When it comes to the Australian swimming team teammates who tested positive for urine, Horton said that everything he does is to maintain the fairness and purity of swimming, no matter what country's athletes. He also said that even if he knew that Shayna Jack had tested positive for urine, he would still refuse to accept the award on the same stage with Sun Yang without hesitation.
In response to Horton's refusal to stand on the podium, FINA previously issued a warning letter to him, saying, "FINA respects freedom of expression, but it must be done in the right context." As with all major sporting bodies, our athletes and their entourage understand that they have a responsibility to respect FINA regulations and not to use FINA events to make personal statements or make gestures. ”
At that time, Sun Yang replied: "You can not respect me, but you must respect China." ”
Editor: Su Zhan