FINA send Swimming Australia and Mack Horton warning letters over podium protest against Sun Yang
Mack Horton’s decision not to join China’s Sun Yang on the podium has taken another turn after the Australian was issued a warning letter from the sport’s governing body.
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Swimming Australia and Mack Horton will both be sent formal warning letters by the sport’s global governing body FINA in the wake of Horton’s decision not to join Sun Yang on the medal podium.
FINA’s executive met in Gwangju to discuss the incident and took a dim view of the Australian’s silent protest, which has been greeted by a mixed response.
“The FINA Executive met today in Gwangju (KOR) to analyse the situation related with the men’s 400m free victory ceremony and has decided to send a warning letter to Swimming Australia Ltd and to athlete Mack Horton (AUS),” FINA said in a statement.
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“While FINA respects the principle of freedom of speech, it has to be conducted in the right context.
“As in all major sports organisations, our athletes and their entourages are aware of their responsibilities to respect FINA regulations and not use FINA events to make personal statements or gestures.
“The matter over which Mack Horton was allegedly protesting is currently under review by CAS and therefore it is not appropriate for FINA to prejudice this hearing by commenting further.”
Horton refused to join Sun on the podium after finishing second to him in Sunday’s 400m freestyle final.
The Australian is among a large number of swimmers questioning why Sun is swimming at the championships while he is facing an appeal after getting a let off for smashing a doping sample with a hammer.