‘A huge amount of grief’: Chalmers reveals toll of social media abuse after Chinese ‘snub’ claim

Kyle Chalmers says he’s cleared the air with China’s Pan Zhanle after claims of a poolside snub, but revealed he has been the subject of social media abuse that has caused him “a huge amount of grief”.

It comes as American freestyler Jack Alexy said he was surprised by Pan’s interview on Chinese television alleging that he deliberately splashed water at a Chinese coach while in a warm-up pool.

Minutes after smashing the men’s 100m freestyle world record, more than a second clear of Chalmers in second place, Pan hit out at Chalmers and Alexy, who finished in second place.

“On the first day, at the 4x100 relay, after we finished swimming I greeted Chalmers. He didn’t pay me any attention at all,” Pan told China Central Television after his win at the Paris La Defense Arena on Wednesday evening.

“Including [Jack] Alexy from the American team – when we were training and our coaches were on the sides, the movements he [Alexy] made seemed like he was deliberately splashing water on the coaches. It just felt like he looked down on us. Can I say this?”

Chalmers maintains there was no deliberate attempt to disrespect Pan during competition.

Kyle Chalmers, gold medallist Pan Zhanle of China and bronze medallist David Popovici of Romania following the men’s 100 metres freestyle final.Credit: AP

However, Chalmers said he had been the subject of abuse from trolls on social media.

After helping Australia through to the final of the 4x100m medley relay, which will be swum on the final night of competition on Sunday (Monday morning AEST), Chalmers addressed his relationship with Pan.

“I don’t think there was any animosity,” Chalmers said. “We’ve exchanged messages, which has been really nice. I’m supposed to be going to the World Cup series and obviously the first leg’s in Shanghai. He’s looking forward to having me there and wanting to show me around.

“I spoke to him in the marshalling before the [100m freestyle] race, after the race, and I went straight over and shook his hand in the pool. All of our conversations we’ve ever had has been positive, from world championships last year through to this year. From my point of view it’s fine.

Kyle Chalmers in action in Paris. Credit: Eddie Jim

“I can’t really comprehend why this is happening.

“[I have received] a huge amount of grief [on social media], which is obviously very challenging to deal with. I know that I’ve done everything I possibly can to be respectful, like I am to every one of my competitors.”

Alexy, who swam the US anchor leg in the heats of the medley relay, was bemused by Pan’s claim when asked by this masthead.

“I can honestly tell you I don’t know when that happened,” Alexy said. “Doing turns is part of anyone’s work process. When I heard that, I was pretty surprised.”

Pan, Chalmers and Alexy are all expected to race the final leg of the men’s medley relay, which is the penultimate final on the swimming program.

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