Russian Swimmer Efimova Calls King's Behavior Unsporting But Holds No Grudges

Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova, who won two silver medals at the Rio Olympics, believes US swimmer Lilly King's behavior at the Games was unsportsmanlike but she does not hold it against anyone.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — At the Rio Olympic Games Efimova became the target of a hostile attitude from US swimmer Lilly King.

"This [King's behavior] was absolutely not sporting. I understand that as King is young and American, but anyway sportsmen don't behave that way," Efimova said. "I don't hold it against anyone."

King slammed Efimova for being caught "drug cheating" and stated that she was "not a fan" of the Russian swimmer. Finishing first in the women's 100-meter breaststroke on August 8, King did not congratulate Efimova but hugged US swimmer Katie Meili, who won a bronze medal. US swimmer Michael Phelps also commented on doping in the sport. Efimova was jeered by some US supporters during a number of Olympic events.

On the eve of the Rio Olympics, Efimova was cleared by the International Swimming Federation to take part in the competition, successfully winning her appeal against a doping ban imposed in July.