'Ridiculous': Americans fume in massive new swimming controversy
More controversy has erupted at the world swimming championships after American star Lilly King was disqualified on Thursday.
King won her 200m breaststroke heat in 2 minutes, 24.56 seconds, but was disqualified for not touching the wall with both hands at the same time in the first turn of the four-lap race, according to USA Swimming.
The US team filed a formal appeal.
King reacted with shock upon seeing 'DSQ' next to her name on the video board.
She said she wasn't told why she had been disqualified although she asked the officials.
On-deck judges supervise each lane to observe whether swimmers are simultaneously touching the wall.
It was a big blow for King, who was aiming for a sweep of the breaststroke titles in Gwangju.
She already won the 100m over Russian rival Yulia Efimova.
Swimming in the last heat, Efimova said she was a bit nervous after seeing the DQ.
“I'm actually always thinking about this because some people make some stuff and nothing happen, but I know if a Russian do something, it's always like ...,” she said, making a kicking motion with her foot.
American fans were left fuming on social media.
This whole thing is ridiculous. Lilly King is a seasoned vet at this point. She isn’t one to make a mistake like this. https://t.co/8pXJgk6asJ
— Katherine Fominykh (@katfominykh) July 25, 2019
I’ve rewatched the video of Lilly King’s turn about ten times and I still don’t see what she did wrong
— 𝒜 (@parapluiesdevm) July 25, 2019
Ok, @fina1908, I want you to explain yourself. Lilly King had a simultaneous touch. No DQ. #Gwangju2019 #FINAGwangju2019 #FINAworlds pic.twitter.com/GGnmeowRDv
— Jason McGhan (@JasonMcGhan) July 25, 2019
They should show her the TAPE!!! Lilly King could have screwed up once in awhile...but she knows the rules.
— Don McCullen (@donmccullen) July 25, 2019
Non-simultaneous touch is the call on the Lilly King DQ, per multiple sources. First turn.
Upon review, I still couldn't see it, but I'm watching on television.— David Rieder (@David_Rieder) July 25, 2019
Officials refusing to give the reason for the Lilly King DQ seems very fishy. #Gwangju2019
— Jason McGhan (@JasonMcGhan) July 25, 2019
Some even suggested FINA had targeted King over her crusade against drug cheats.
She’s previously criticised Efimova - who served a doping ban in the past - and praised the actions of swimmers who protested controversial Chinese star Sun Yang.
Maybe DQ is legit. Yet FINA has opened itself up to accusations that this was retaliation for Lilly King’s speaking out about doping cases. https://t.co/TBbjlBuzsZ
— David Woods (@DavidWoods007) July 25, 2019
Lilly King is disqualified in 200 breast at @fina1908 WC . Asked what she did wrong, she replied, "They didn't tell me." This is the same Lilly King who two days ago had this to say about @fina1908 handling of anti-doping efforts. https://t.co/VQLcfhXAZB
— Karen Crouse (@bykaren) July 25, 2019
Latest example of controversy
If King was to win reinstatement, she would bump Suyeon Back of South Korea, who qualified in the 16th and last spot for the evening semifinals.
King's DQ recalled a similar situation involving Aaron Peirsol in the 200 backstroke final at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
The American was disqualified for making an illegal turn while finishing first, but the decision was overturned and he received the gold medal.
with AP
