Sun Yang Secures 400m Freestyle Title After Four-Year Ban

Chinese swimmer Sun Yang won the men's 400 metres freestyle at the National Summer Swimming Championships after serving a four-year doping ban. Sun, who was banned for drug test violations in 2018, clocked a time of three minutes and 49.58 seconds in Hefei. He acknowledged the need for more competitions to regain his form.

Chinese swimmer Sun Yang clinched the men's 400 metres freestyle title at the National Summer Swimming Championships in Hefei, marking his return after a four-year ban for doping violations. The 32-year-old had received a four-year and three-month suspension in 2018 for a dope test violation involving the smashing of vials containing blood samples.

The ban, initially set at eight years but later reduced on appeal, expired on May 28. Though Sun missed the national trials for the upcoming Paris Games due to suspension, he made a notable comeback on Sunday by finishing his race in three minutes and 49.58 seconds, representing Zhejiang province.

In a post-race interview, Sun expressed mixed feelings: 'I could have done better. Four years away from competition and without intensive training, I do feel rusty in controlling the tempo and I need more competitions. But it's a good start for my comeback and I'm happy with this result.' Sun, who had also served a three-month suspension in 2014, won Olympic gold in the 400m and 1,500m freestyle at London 2012 and took the 200m title at Rio 2016. China's swimming team was under intense scrutiny during the Olympic Games in Paris over the country's doping record, yet still secured 12 medals, including two golds.

(With inputs from agencies.)