'Malicious attack': China wants apology for drug cheat remarks

Tensions have deepened between Australian gold medallist Mack Horton and the Chinese swim team, as officials demand an apology over drug cheating claims.

Horton was the target of online abuse just hours after taking home the gold medal in the men's 400m freestyle final over comments he made calling Chinese runner-up Sun Yang a "drug cheat".

The Chinese swim team issued a statement, calling Horton's claims a "malicious personal attack" on Yang.

"We have been noticing what has been said in the past two days by Horton, who launched a malicious personal attack [on Chinese swimmers]," team manager Xu Qi told China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

"We think his inappropriate words greatly hurt the feelings between Chinese and Australian swimmers. It is proof of a lack of good manners and upbringing.

"We strongly demand an apology from this swimmer."

Yang fired shots back at Horton a day after the Australian's gold medal-winning swim.

When asked if he would beat Horton in the 1,500m, Yang told Channel 7: "In 1,500m I am the king."

Horton and Yang will face off again in the men's 1,500m freestyle event on Sunday.

 

Author: 
ABC Australia