Sun Yang will ‘definitely’ appeal eight-year CAS ban as social media rages

Chinese swimming star Sun Yang has said he will “definitely” appeal his eight-year ban from the pool that was announced on Friday.

“This is unfair. I firmly believe in my innocence,” the 28-year-old told China’s state news agency Xinhua. “I will definitely appeal to let more people know the truth.”

It was reported that Sun learned of the verdict while training in Beijing and left immediately, midway through the session. He had been training for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games while he awaited the verdict.

The landmark ban, which relates to the smashing of blood vials and his refusal to provide samples at an out-of-competition doping test at his home in Hangzhou in September, 2018, essentially ends the triple Olympic gold medallist’s career.

Sun has a month to appeal the ban handed out by the Court of Arbitration for Sport with the Swiss federal court.

The Chinese Swimming Association announced on Weibo that it “deeply regrets” the verdict and they “support Sun Yang to continue to safeguard his legitimate rights and interests through legal means”.

They also added that they hope for the authorities to clear up doping rules.

Han Qiaosheng, a host on state broadcaster CCTV, responded to the ban on his Weibo account.

“It’s unfair to Sun Yang. Starting today, Sun Yang will be suspended for eight years! I firmly support Sun Yang’s continued appeal,” he wrote, while asking for another hearing.

His sentiments were echoed by thousands of enraged Chinese social media users.

Australian basketball player Andrew Bogut reacted on Twitter with the message “NMSL” and crying emojis. The message, which comes from the Mandarin term “Ni Ma Si Le” (“Your mum is dead”), was what he was sent by angry netizens after he criticised Sun for his previous drug ban. This resulted in further ire from Sun fans on the social media platform.

Bogut then followed up with the DVD cover image of the film Big Trouble in Little China.

Bogut supported Mack Horton, the Australian swimmer who labelled Sun a “drug cheat” at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where he also beat Sun to the 400m freestyle gold medal.

Horton was the subject of media fury in China last year when he refused to share a podium with Sun after the Chinese superstar beat him in the same event at the world championships in South Korea.

So far, Horton has not spoken out on the Sun verdict. Many Twitter users have seen the ban as vindication for the Australian’s behaviour in Gwangju.

Others also reposted the video of Sun yelling at Britain’s Duncan Scott, who refused to shake his hand at another podium at the competition.

“You’re a loser. I am winner,” Sun screamed. Scott has also remained silent so far.