Sunday in Rio gave us a little bit of Cold War-era nostalgia.
Before her heat in the women’s 100m backstroke, American swimmer Lilly King was caught by the NBC feed wagging her finger in disapproval at a video monitor replay of Russian rival Yulia Efimova during her own heat. Efimova took first place and held up one finger to signify that she was number one, but King mimicked the gesture, making for a great moment.
LILLY KING THE GOD pic.twitter.com/E22qA5fzp4
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) August 8, 2016
King would go on to beat Efimova’s time and was asked about the finger wag after the race, to which she replied that she wasn’t a fan of cheaters.
OH SNAP! Lilly King explains the finger waving towards Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova. pic.twitter.com/aLrkhSkNuG
— ⓂarcusD (@_MarcusD_) August 8, 2016
Russia, of course, had a state-sponsored doping program scandal recently brought to light, and Efimova (who had already failed two separate drug tests since 2014) was one of the athletes initially banned from the Rio Olympics for allegedly participating in the program. But her ban was subsequently overturned by the International Olympic Committee, clearing the way for Efimova to compete in the women’s 100m backstroke.
Shoutout to King for keeping it real and giving us one of the best beefs in the early going of the Rio Games.
Image Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
H/T FanSided
