China’s Pan Zhanle accuses Australian and US swimmers of unsportsmanlike behaviour

China’s Pan Zhanle accused Australia's Kyle Chalmers of snubbing him on the opening night of competition and American swimmer Jack Alexy of allegedly acting disrespectfully towards Chinese coaches during a training session. Zhanle made his comments in an interview with a Chinese broadcaster after the men’s 100m freestyle final in which he broke the world record. Chalmers labelled the allegation towards him 'a bit weird' and added: 'We had a laugh together at warm-down last night – but no issues from my end.'

‘Bit weird’: swimming rivalry heats up as Kyle Chalmers hits back at Chinese snub claim

[pinkcichlid]

He didn’t “accuse” anyone, he just expressed his feelings (even asking for permission first), a humble and brilliant young man.

[GreetingsEarth]

If you know Chinese, he was complaining to the Chinese reporter the other athletes were a bit disrespectful to the Chinese staff during training, complain and accuse are two different things.
But somehow the Guardian had to make a news out of it for views, this is misleading.

[kzh]

I don’t have an issue with how much they tested the Chinese athletes (for the integrity of the sport) but I do think if you are going to test one country this amount of times, you should test all countries the same (still to protect the integrity of the sport)

[theixman]

This is a 19 year old kid, if he was from any other country he would be an instant star.

[jonnyqi]

"didn't pay any attention to me", that is such a wrong translation. it should be translated to "flat out ignored me".

[grl]

I live in a western country and I am very disappointed with how western countries behave against China and Chinese people in general.
Whoever puts effort and achieves something, deserves to be acknowledged regardless of their origin.
What Pan achieved is incredible.
With 11 gold metals as of today, China's performance is great. Congratulations to China and Chinese people.

[lizzyclass]

We all have feelings. As a kindergarten teacher, I always teach the kids to express theirs. If something feels unfair or wrong, you have the right to speak up. It's important to express your feelings. Pan Zhanle, you are such a sweet and kind boy who even asked for permission to express your feelings because you knew you were in public. You did nothing wrong. Not "accuse", that is not accurate.

[weiliao]

He didn't "accuse", but reveal, his feeling after got the permission from the reporter .

[cryptoman]

Westerners Looking down on Asian people is nothing new but Congrats to Pan 💪💪💪

[skyy]

Congratulations Pan Zhanle, continue to speak out. European got used to winning and have no strong competitor. Now, you represent China and broke the world record in a significant way. You would encounter, jealousy, and shock from the former winner. It is a brave new world from this point on!

[hgft]

It's the Guardian. Can't expect much from an agency with 3rd rate journalists.

[beerharmien]

They have been dope tested many times this Olympics. It’s as clean as it gets. Amazing achievement.

[eat.melon.qunzhong]

Breaking WR is not insane. What’s insane is that
1) Pan breaks WR by 0.4s! Previous breaks are just several milliseconds.
2) Pan crushed all opponents by over 1s!! In short distance race this is really insane.
3) Pan and entire Chinese swim team got tons of tests which heavily impact their resting. He still won the 1st by such a large margin!

[wongvicky]

Shame on Jack Alexy for doing such a low behavior to others

[micnpep]

Why use the word “accused” in the heading? He was just expressing his own thoughts to a Chinese reporter.

[corbefranz]

No matter what people say, you are the best! Respect from Germany 🔥

[youtubetebie]

Why not US sanction all the Chinese swimmers, and so that US swimmers take all gold medals ?

[kayleevaughn]

He was just expressing what he felt and even asked if he could say it first. How is that "accusing"? What terrible journalism. The Guardian should be ashamed of trying to spread hate.

[KanoKano-vnwp]

I trust Pan 100%, well done young man!

[aligin]

The wording of the headline is just so Guardian. Congradulations Pan Zhanle!!!