Sun Yang of China competes in the men's 800m freestyle final during the 17th FINA World Championships in Budapest, July 26, 2017. (Photo/Agencies)
Sun Yang has finished the 800 meter freestyle final in 5th place at the swimming World Championships.
It is the first time in 5 years that the title slipped from China's grasp.
"I couldn't do it. After 500 meters I felt so heavy. I also participated in the short and mid course events and had little time for rest. I was the only 800 meter finalist who also competed in the 200 meter. It drained me. I only managed to get some rest this morning within the last 24 hours, and I still trained. I was stiff and my arms hurt," Sun said as he broke down in tears.
Sun still doesn't want to give up the 1500 meter and relay which he promised to try.
The new 800 meter world champion is Gabriele Detti from Italy.
China shared the bronze medal with Canada in the mixed 4 by 100 meter relay.
100 meter backstroke champion Xu Jiayu made the first splashes for China, followed by Yan Zibei in the breaststroke, Zhang Yufei in butterfly and Zhu Menghui in freestyle.
The United States won the relay with a record-breaking time of just short of 3 minutes, 39 seconds.
Fu Yuanhui and Wang Xue'er have both qualified for the women's 50 meter backstroke final.
Fu says she has not recovered to her best level but she will push herself.
"I still could not find my confidence, because all opponents are very strong. 50 meters are short but it has a lot of possibilities and uncertainties. I will do my best but dare not dream of a gold medal," she says.
Finally in the women's 200 meter butterfly, Zhou Yilin and Zhang Yufei made it into the final.
