American Swimmer Lilly King Insinuates Russia 'Should Have Been Banned' From Tokyo Olympics

The president of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov recently said that his team's medals in Tokyo are the "best answer" to critics.

Well, it seems this comment angered those who are insisting Russia shouldn't even be at the Games - Lilly King being one of them.

PA

The American swimmer is among the group of people who think the country should be banned from the Olympics altogether after their state-sponsored doping program was uncovered.

"There are a lot of people here that should not be here," King said.

"I wasn't racing anyone from a country who should have been banned and instead got a slap on the wrist and rebranded their national flag. So, I personally wasn't as affected. But [US swimmer] Ryan (Murphy) was."

Murphy also took aim at Russia.

After failing to defend his 200m backstroke title against Russian Evgeny Rylov, the American claimed the Final was "probably not clean".

"I've got 15 thoughts, 13 of them would get me into a lot of trouble," Murphy said after the race.

"It is what it is. I try not to get caught up in that.

"It is a huge mental drain on me to go throughout the year, that I am swimming in a race that's probably not clean and that is what it is.

"I need to be clear, I've never made... my intention is not to make any allegations here. Like, congratulations to Luke and Evgeny. They did an incredible job, they're both very talented swimmers.

"At the end of the day ... I do believe it (doping) is still big in swimming and it is what it is."

PA

The Russian Olympic Committee wasted no time in firing back at Murphy's claims.

"How unnerving our victories are for some of our colleagues," the country's statement read.

"Yes, we are here at the Olympics. Whether someone likes it or not.

"The old barrel organ started the song about Russian doping again. English-language propaganda, oozing with verbal sweat in the Tokyo heat.

"Through the mouths of athletes offended by defeats. We will not console you. Forgive us those who are weaker. God is their judge. And for us - an assistant."

After the World Anti-Doping Agency won its lengthy legal battle wth Russian authorities, it was declared that the country's name, flag and national anthem would be banned from the Olympics as well as other major sporting events.

Part of the country's punishment for its actions also included smaller squads at the last two Games.

That said, the Russian athletes are still doing incredibly well in Tokyo and currently have 40 medals under their belt - 11 of which being gold.

Topics: olympics, Tokyo Olympics, united states, swimming, Australia, Russia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry