Gary Claydon may have won the cross-harbour swim the last time it was held back in 1978, but the former champion has been barred from taking part when the event resumes next month after a 33-year break.
'The Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association has refused my entry on the basis that I do not have a valid Hong Kong ID card,' Claydon, an Australian resident, said.
'It's hard not to feel discriminated against by their attitude.'
Claydon was just 16 when he won the race in 1978, but the annual event was subsequently stopped because of water pollution.
When he heard that the race would resume this year, he approached the organisers and completed an application form, only to be told that he wasn't eligible to take part.
'I fulfil all the eligibility criteria for the race which are being physically fit and healthy, above 12 years of age, [and submitting] a signed declaration of responsibility and a medical certificate for those over 60 - the latter of which doesn't count as I'm 49,' Claydon said.
