“What Would She Say About Michael Phelps”: Swimming Legend’s Infamous Acts Were Questioned by Russian Swimmer After Getting Attacked for Her Comeback in 2016

Published 08/09/2022, 9:00 AM EDT

The most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps, established an undeniable legacy in his 25 years of swimming career. His victories were nothing short of a miracle, as he pushed the boundaries of his potential. At the 2008 Beijing Games, he brought home eight gold medals, all achieved in world record or Olympic record-breaking times.

But his illustrious career came with its low points. Phelps struggled with mental health issues throughout his life and, on a couple of occasions, landed himself in trouble. And in 2016, Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova dragged him into a doping criticism row.

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Michael Phelps, singled out by the Russian swimmer

The 2016 Rio Olympics, which served as Michael Phelps’ final competition before retirement, became a hot topic of a doping controversy. Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova, who sustained suspension twice for banned substances, received criticism from America’s Lilly King.

King commented that she didn’t appreciate Efimova’s presence at the Games, and in response, the Russian swimmer compared her situation with that of Phelps. “What would (King) say about Michael Phelps?” she said at a press conference after winning the silver medal in the 200m breaststroke.

Reportedly, Efimova referred to the incident in 2009 when a photograph of Phelps holding a marijuana pipe led to a three-month suspension by US Swimming. She continued, “I myself am, of course, against doping.” She maintained that her past two incidents of using banned substances hadn’t been intentional and that she deserved a fair chance like Phelps.

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“I never used it on purpose, but I know there have been very many occasions where people do it because they don’t know or because they’re stupid or naive,” she claimed. Phelps, on the other hand, backed compatriot Lilly King’s stance on the issue.

Phelps’ perspective on the controversy

Swimming legend Michael Phelps never tested positive for marijuana or any other banned substance. His suspension came because of an unsolicited picture taken at a student party at the University of South Carolina. It appeared first in a British tabloid.

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Phelps’ stance on using performance-enhancing drugs has remained strongly in opposition. And he spoke out in support of Lilly King’s attitude toward Russian Yulia Efimova at the Olympics. The swimmer called for greater action against those who test positive and are still permitted to compete.

“I think people should be speaking out more. You know I think (Lily) is right. I think something needs to be done.” He continued, “I think it just breaks what sport is meant to be and that pisses me off.” France’s Camille Lacourt’ expanded on Phelps’ anger with a plea to swimming’s international governing authority to take strict measures.

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“I hope FINA will react quickly and stop this massacre because it’s becoming sad. They have nothing to do in sport. I’m disgusted to see athletes who cheated on a podium,” he declared. WADA reviewed Efimova’s case before lifting the ban. But the athletes competing clean remained discontent with her participation.

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Written by:

Mansi Jain is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Mass Communication from the University of Delhi and has also previously interned for HT Media. She is always one mention of Yuzuru Hanyu away from delivering an hour-long speech about the athlete's legacy.

Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa

“What Would She Say About Michael Phelps”: Swimming Legend’s Infamous Acts Were Questioned by Russian Swimmer After Getting Attacked for Her Comeback in 2016

Michael Phelps, singled out by the Russian swimmer

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Phelps’ perspective on the controversy