Chief says Sun's critics show 'prejudice and irrationality'

GWANGJU, South Korea - As Chinese Olympic champion Sun Yang finds himself surrounded by controversy due to the actions of foreign rivals at the 18th FINA World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, head of the China Swimming Association Zhou Jihong said on Wednesday that "no one has the right to judge someone by rumors."

Sun claimed gold medals in the 400m and 200m freestyle, becoming the second swimmer after American superstar Michael Phelps on the individual World Championships medal table with 11 golds to his name. But Sun has seen his victories at this meet marred by the actions of rivals on the podium.

In January, FINA absolved Sun on all wrongdoing, ruling "that the sample collection session initiated by IDTM on September 4, 2018, is invalid and void. Mr. Sun Yang did not commit an anti-doping rule violation under the FINA DC 2.3 or FINA DC 2.5. rules."