Sun Yang, the reigning champion of China’s Olympic swimming team, won a major domestic swimming competition on Sunday ( Aug 25 ), marking his first competitive event since a four-year suspension for doping expired.  ,
Sun, representing his home Zhejiang Province, claimed metal in the men’s 400m slalom at the 2024 National Summer Swimming Championships in Hefei, south China’s Anhui Province, state-owned Xinhua News Agency reported.  ,
The 32-year-old diver won with a period of 3: 49: 58, substantially slower than his personal best, an Olympic record 3: 40.14 cast at the 2012 Games in London.  ,
Speaking to reporters after the competition, Sun said:” I could have done better” . ,
” Four times away from competitors, and without extensive training, I do think dirty in controlling the intensity, and I need more competitions. But it’s a good start for my rebound, and I’m happy with this result”, he told Xinhua.  ,
In a post on social media platform Weibo on Sunday, Sun said his previous “victories, problems and problems” have taught him how to meet life’s problems and challenges face on, and to “become stronger and more comfortable”.  ,
” I want to thank my parents, my spouse, my teacher, my companions and those who have supported me softly all the way”, Sun wrote. They’ve given me more of their love and support than I do of my own.
According to The South China Morning Post, Sun said,” If there’s an opportunity, I will go out get it. If there’s an opportunity, I may go all out for it.” Sun was asked over the weekend by a journalist if he would attempt to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The quad Olympic champion was barred from competing for four years and three times in 2018 after his and his crew allegedly smashed body sample containers.
The moratorium, reduced from eight times on charm, expired on May 28.