China’s banned swimmer Sun Yang focused on 2024 Paris Olympics, saying ‘my target and persistence have never changed’
- Sun told fans during his 30th birthday celebration if he works hard, it is still possible to perform at his peak
- The three-time Olympic gold medallist was handed a 51-month ban after breaking anti-doping rules when testers came to his house in September, 2018
Banned swimmer Sun Yang has reiterated his desire to compete in the 2024 Paris Games as the triple Olympic gold medallist made a rare public comment about his future plans.
One of the China’s most decorated athletes, Sun is serving a four-year, three-month ban handed down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in June after he was found to have violated anti-doping protocol during an out-of-competition test in 2018.
The suspension started in February 2020 and will end months before the start of the next Olympics. While celebrating his 30th birthday in his hometown of Hangzhou last week, Sun talked enthusiastically about returning to the pool when his ban ends.
In a direct online broadcast with his fans, Sun was asked if he would still be able to shine in Paris. The swimmer responded: “If I work hard, it is possible.”
He also told his fans: “What you guys think is also what I think in the bottom of my heart. My target and persistence [in the sport] have never changed. I hope we can work hard together in future days.”
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Since his ban – for breaking a blood vial during a doping test at his home – Sun has remained in an upbeat mood often posting happy pictures and videos of holiday scenes and good times with friends on social media. In an interview in August, Sun was also asked if he would take part in the Paris Olympic Games and said: “Difficulties and chances are always coexisting. I will do the best I can and then you will be able to see what you want to see”.
Hong Kong swimming team head coach Chen Jianhong, who represented China in two Olympic Games in 1988 and 1992, said age should not be a problem for Sun.
“If he can continue systemic training, I believe he can still be a medal contender in the Paris Games,” said Chen. “His major problem will be lack of competition until the beginning of 2024. This will be his biggest obstacle.”
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Sun won two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics in the 400 metre and 1,500 metre freestyle. He won his third gold in Rio four years later when he was crowned 200 metre freestyle champion.
He also won 11 gold medals over five World Championships from 2011 to 2019.
Sun has always talked about his pride at being from Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the city that hosts the Asian Games in 2022. However, he will not be able to perform in front of his home fans next year.
