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“While FINA respects the principle of freedom of speech, it has to be conducted in the right context,” it said in a statement.

“As in all major sports organisations, our athletes and their entourages are aware of their responsibilities to respect FINA regulations and not use FINA events to make personal statements or gestures.”

Photo by Ed JONES / AFP

While the move drew criticism from some quarters of the media, and even death threats on Twitter from Chinese swimming fans, America’s Lilly King said the Australian had full support from his peers.

“We were waiting around for the awards ceremony just to see what was going to happen,” said the U.S. swimmer.

“It was awesome. When we walked into the dining hall he walked in after us and the whole dining hall erupted into applause.

“It was pretty good to see the athletes united on his stance and supporting him as well.”

King said swimmers were annoyed that doping continues to cast a shadow over their sport, and that if they were not going to receive the proper protection from the governing body they would have to look out for each other.

“I don’t think anyone at FINA is going to stand up for the athletes so the athletes have to stand up for themselves,” she said. “I think it is definitely a start.”

Australia’s Mitch Larkin was “super proud” of his team mate and said the whole squad backed him.

“I think 99% of (other) athletes around the pool deck back him, so he’s not really standing alone,” he added.

Photo by Kim Hong-Ji / REUTERS

“What he did was certainly brave and gutsy and I have a lot of respect for him for doing that.”