Chinese swim legend Sun Yang says ‘difficulties’ during 4-year doping ban will not deter him from Paris Olympics comeback
- Three-time Olympic gold medallist will be free to compete again in May, and insists he has been staying ready as he plots return at 32
- ‘It depends how you stand up from difficulties and setbacks. I always tell myself that I must maintain a healthy body and state,’ he says
China’s three-time Olympic gold medallist swimmer Sun Yang said he would not be defeated by “difficulties” as he bides his time during a four-year doping suspension – and plots a sensational comeback at the 2024 Paris Games.
Sun, the first male swimmer in history to earn Olympic and World Championship gold medals at every freestyle distance from 200 to 1,500 metres, was initially suspended for eight years in 2021 after a positive doping test.
He would be free to compete again in May, though he will certainly miss out on next month’s Asian Games in his hometown of Hangzhou.
“Every stage of life we experience different difficulties and setbacks, and now I have completely let go,” Sun said in an interview with Chinese social media platform Weibo, when asked about his ban.
“It depends how you stand up from difficulties and setbacks. Athletes are most afraid of falling apart, which will lead to a decline in mentality and state. I always tell myself that I must maintain a healthy body and state.
