Sun finally shines: brilliant Sun Yang claims 200m freestyle title in convincing fashion
Sun becomes the first Chinese swimmer to win the Olympic men’s 200 metres freestyle gold medal on Monday
China’s superstar swimmer Sun Yang staged a comeback at the Rio Olympics, shrugging off the pressure brought by his Australian rival Mack Horton after their 400-metre battle and taking home the gold in the 200m freestyle.
The 24-year-old Chinese swimmer finished the race in one minute, 44.65 seconds, with South Africa’s Chad Le Clos just 0.5 seconds slower. USA’s Conor Dwyer took bronze in 1:45.23.
“I was focusing on myself today. I didn’t see whoever you were talking about. I did my very best in the finals today, and I did so by not getting concerned with what was happening outside,” Sun said alluding to his developing rivalry with Australian Horton.
WATCH: golden moments on Day 3 at Rio Olympics
Asked if he was confident in beating Horton in the 1,500m race later this week, he said: “I am now in my top form. All I need to do is to focus on myself. I think it is important for everyone not to care too much about what is happening outside.”
He did not answer when asked if he thinks Horton should apologise for calling him a “drug cheat” earlier this week.