Russian swimming chief Vladimir Salnikov has said the atmosphere surrounding his team at the Olympics reminded him of the Cold War, and criticised American breaststroke champion Lilly King for attacking the integrity of her Russian rival. Salnikov said the stress and uncertainty of the build-up had affected the Russian team as a whole, but his athletes were bearing up well. "I think the whole atmosphere is very strange," said Salnikov, president of the Russian Swimming Federation, who won four swimming gold medals in the 1980s during a period of US-Soviet tensions that prompted the two superpowers to boycott each other's Olympics. Russia argues it is taking steps to clean up sport and is being singled out for political reasons. "Efimova has been through a very severe ordeal, and in an atmosphere of distrust and uncertainty I think she showed very strong character - resilience and focus - and so I think she deserved her medal," said Salnikov.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 09, 2016 21:33 UTC