Aussie swimming gun Cate Campbell has lit a fuse ahead of Paris 2024, with American star Lilly King hitting back at her comments accusing the USA of being “sore losers”.
Campbell’s jibe came after American broadcaster NBC aired an alternate World Aquatics Championships medal tally that had the Americans on top, despite Australia winning 13 gold compared to the USA’s seven.
Overall, the USA finished with 25 medals compared to Australia’s 16.
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Along with calling the American’s “sore losers”, Campbell explained beating the powerful swimming nation made the victory “so much sweeter”.
“I mean, Australia coming out on top of the world is one thing, but it is just so much sweeter beating America,” she said on Nine’s Today on Monday morning.
“(On) the first night of competition, we did not have to hear ‘Star Spangled Banner’ ring out through the stadium. I cannot tell you how happy that made me.
“If I (ever) hear that song again it will be too soon.
“Bring on Paris. That’s all I have to say to the US. Stop being sore losers.”
King, an Olympic gold medallist, has since hit back on social media.
“Sorry we aren’t so uptight we can’t cheer for our teammates as they walk out for events,” she said.
“See you in Paris.”
Three-time Olympic gold medallist, now NBC swimming pundit, Rowdy Gaines also responded to Campbell’s comments.
“360 days. I can’t wait. The rivalry continues,” he said.
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