Efimova’s doping past stirs up waves in Olympic pool

The bronze went to another American, Katie Meili. Boos could be heard throughout the Olympic Aquatics Stadium before swimming in her semi-final.

Less than 24 hours earlier King had turned the final into the most compelling grudge match of these Olympics. Efimova’s actions and punishment were more severe – she missed 16 months for doping and tested positive this year for now-banned meldonium.

It’s like FINA (swimming’s governing body) keep going back on their word, and the International Olympic Committee keep going back on their word. Not surprisingly, this had Lilly irked – but before ripping on Yulia for cheating, the 19-year-old Evansville, Indiana, native swam an impressive 1:05.70 in the 100m breaststroke, 2/10 of a second faster than Yulia’s first place time of 1:05.72 from the August 6 semifinals. The 19-year-old Hoosier from Evansville was not surprised but tried to sidestep the doping issue. “I’m just happy to be here and I’m ready to race”, she said. “I just tried to be myself”.

On Sunday night, she did just that, knocking almost two seconds off the world record in the 400 free to secure her first gold medal of these Games.

But Efimova didn’t seem too phased by the backlash, posting this photo on Instagram after her race.

Although Efimova is not now suspended from competition, a decision made by the IOC Executive Board regarding Russian Olympic qualifiers prevented her from competing.

The 27-year-old, who could conceivably add another three gold medals to her tally, had failed to win a medal in her three previous Olympics. She won in 3:56.46, followed by Britain’s Jazz Carlin and American Leah Smith.

Hosszu, known as the Iron Lady for her grueling schedule, took the women’s back in 58.45.

“Tonight has been so insane”.

Russia also has sought to present McLaren’s report as flawed and overly reliant on the testimony of former Moscow anti-doping lab chief Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, who now lives in the USA, and admitted to covering up doping samples on what he said were orders from the Russian Sports Ministry.

“It’s not my decision, it’s the IOC’s decision”, King said of Efimova being allowed to compete in Rio, “even though its not something I agree with”.

“I was insane, like, last half-year, I just don’t understand what’s going on and everything. I’m usually not a crier but this is a special moment so we’ll see if it gets to me or not”.

Ryan Murphy extended America’s run of dominance in the men’s 100m backstroke, coming from fourth at the turn to win in an Olympic record of 51.97sec. Let’s just say the athlete didn’t take well to that jab! “This means everything to me”.

“I used the word “drug cheat” because he tested positive”, Horton said.