Mack Horton isn't backing down from criticism of Sun Yang

Published Jul. 21, 2017 3:29 p.m. ET

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Australian swimming gold medalist Mack Horton isn't backing down from his criticism of Chinese star Sun Yang.

After the team from Down Under arrived in Budapest for the world championships, Horton was asked whether he was looking forward to renewing his rivalry with Sun.

The reply: ''I don't know if it's a rivalry. I think it's a rivalry between clean athletes and athletes who've tested positive.''

Horton's comments are sure to rekindle the bitter feelings between two of the world's top swimmers. Last summer, the Aussie said he had ''no time or respect for drug cheats,'' a reference to Sun's three-month doping ban in 2014.

Horton went on to beat Sun in the 400-meter final.

Now, they'll face each other again at Duna Arena. The swimming competition begins on Sunday.