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Bronze medallist's stunning act during Mack Horton's podium protest

Yahoo Sport Australia

Bronze medallist Gabriele Detti has explained his reason for taking the podium despite reports Mack Horton asked the Italian if he wanted to join him in protest.

Sun Yang accused Horton of disrespecting China in a stunning podium protest at the world swimming titles in South Korea on Sunday.

Olympic champion Horton refused to shake hands with Sun or stand on the podium after being relegated to 400m freestyle silver by the controversial Chinese star at Gwangju on an unforgettable opening night of the eight-day titles.

Silver medallist Australia's Mack Horton (L) refused to stand on the podium with gold medallist China's Sun Yang (C). (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
Silver medallist Australia's Mack Horton (L), gold medallist China's Sun Yang (C) and bronze medallist Italy's Gabriele Detti at the 2019 World Championships on July 21, 2019. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

It remains to be seen if Horton faces sanction from world body FINA over his protest.

But swimming website, Swim Swam, claims Horton asked the Italian bronze medallist if he wanted to join him in protest.

“I worked too hard for the bronze, I want the podium,” Detti was reported to have said.

Horton made the bold statement after admitting he was unhappy that Sun had been allowed to compete at the world titles ahead of a Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing in September that may end the Chinese star's career.

The 10-time world champion will answer charges of smashing vials of his blood with a hammer during a clash last year with testers.

Australian Mack Horton poses with bronze medalist Gabriele Detti of Italy in Gwangju, South Korea. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Silver medalist Mack Horton of Australia and bronze medalist Gabriele Detti of Italy pose during the medal ceremony for Men's 400m Freestyle Final. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Sun - who claimed a fourth straight 400m world title - faces a lifetime ban if found guilty.

Horton copped vile social media abuse while the Chinese swimming team demanded an official apology after he dismissed Sun as a "drug cheat" ahead of the Rio Olympics.

Their feud only escalated after Horton upset Sun - who served a three month doping ban in 2014 - to claim a shock 400m freestyle gold at the 2016 Games.