Sun Yang blames heart problems for shock withdrawal from world championships final amid reports he disrupted other swimmers
Chinese superstar says he felt unwell in the warm-up pool
China’s world record-holder and Olympic champion, Sun Yang, confirmed his shock withdrawal from Sunday’s 1,500m freestyle final at the world championships was down to a heart problem.
The 23-year-old says he made the decision to pull out shortly before being called to the Kazan pool having felt unwell during the warm-up.
Sun refused to comment on claims by the coach of Brazil’s team that he tried to elbow and kick a female swimmer on Sunday and that he has also caused problems for other teams.
Sun said he started feeling problems with his heart after retaining his 800m freestyle world title last Wednesday.
The same problem in his chest returned while he warmed up for Sunday’s 1,500m final.
“First of all, I am very sorry that I couldn’t swim the 1,500m final,” he said in a press conference.
“After the 800m competition, I didn’t feel well in my heart. I felt uncomfortable in the warm-up tonight so I had to give up the idea of competing.”