Sun Yang: never taken Park Tae-hwan’s provocation seriously

From Sina Weibo:

Sun Yang (Weibo) He Won! 20 years old, 1.97meters tall, 3 minutes 40 seconds 14! When Sun Yang roared in the swimming pool like a lion, who knew all the hardship, persistence, pressure or tears behind this glory… At the mixed interview zone after the race, Sun Yang covered his face to sob several times, crying like a kid with a pair of red eyes, “The Park Tae-hwan incidence in the morning inspired me. I have no reason not to beat him and I have never cared for him much.”

Today, the new leader in China’s swimming field was born! He broke the Olympic record with his best performance so far. When Sun Yang walked swiftly into the mixed zone to have interviews with China’s reporters, this 1.97m tall boy choked with sob and covered his face to weep for several times, with tears streaming down his cheeks. Sun Yang said, “If the Park Tae-hwan incidence in the morning had any influence on me that would be inspiration. It made me become determined to beat him. I also learned some reporting in Korea, which also motivated me.” (Editor’s note: Park Taw-hwan was disqualified for false start in his morning heat for this race, but reinstated only 3 hours before the final when he won the appeal. South Korean media reported the "conspiracy theory", suggesting that the Chinese referee purposely disqualified Park Tae-hwan. However there was no Chinese referee at that race. The Asian female referee in photo screenshots which was questioned by South Korean media is actually a Japanese referee (KAZUMIEGUCHI), he did not come from China.)

Regarding Park Tae-hwan’s various provocations, especially that he once said Sun Yang only acts as foil to him, Sun Yang responded calmly, “I have never taken such remarks seriously, and I have never cared about him. I have better training performance and track records than him, and so I do not have any reason not to beat him. I came, and I won. I think the Gold Medal would be the best testimony.”

Sun Yang created his best record in his professional career in today’s race and he sobbed again when he came to this point, “Preparations in so many years and days are only for this Olympic Gold Medal. I have been training very hard, and my couches provided me great help. I own them a debt of gratitude……”Sun Yang choked with sob again. A Chinese reporter, who was standing close to Sun Yang, gave him a heavy pat on the back and yelled, “Sun Yang, well done!”

At this time, Sun Yang’s coach covered him with a large towel, “Don’t get a cold.” A foreign reporter asked why he cried even after he obtained the Gold Medal. The coach interpreted the question to Sun Yang, and the new Olympic Gold Medalist answered, “Because I realized my dream to get a Gold Medal at the Olympics. And my next goal.