Chinese swimmer Sun Yang is back in the spotlight! The three-time Olympic gold medalist has made a triumphant return to competitive swimming, just weeks after the Paris Olympics concluded. Although a four-year, three-month ban kept him from competing in the world’s biggest sporting event, Sun Yang is seizing every opportunity on the post-Olympic circuit. And it’s clear that the 11-time world champion hasn’t lost his touch—he’s already back to his winning ways.

At 32 years old, and after being sidelined due to a doping ban, Yang is determined to reclaim his place at the top of the swimming world. His comeback kicked off with a splash at the National Summer Swimming Championships, where he won his 400-meter freestyle heat and finished second overall in the preliminary round. Clocking in at 3:54.98 seconds, Yang’s return to the pool was more than just a race—it was a powerful statement. It wasn’t just about the time he posted; it was about reclaiming a sense of purpose and reigniting his competitive spirit.

After the race, Yang couldn’t hide his emotions as he spoke to reporters. “It’s a very familiar feeling. I felt nervous and a bit anxious. It had really been a long time, and this was my first race. I hadn’t had this feeling for a very long time, and I needed to feel it again,” he confessed. The joy of competing, the thrill of victory, and the simple pleasure of gliding through the water had clearly struck a deep chord with him.

Yang also took a moment to express his gratitude, acknowledging that his return wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of his family. Fighting back tears, he thanked them for being his rock during the most challenging times of his career. It was an emotional moment, a testament to the rollercoaster of emotions he has experienced.

Now, with the resilience of a true champion, Sun Yang seems to be setting his sights on a comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. When asked if he plans to compete in the next Olympic cycle, he responded with determination: “If there’s an opportunity, I will go all out to get it.”

Sun Yang remains in high spirits despite challenging conditions

Yang’s determination as an athlete is as tough as iron, unyielding even in the face of adversity. In 2020, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed down an eight-year ban to Sun Yang after he allegedly tampered with blood samples during a 2018 anti-doping test. The story goes that Yang not only refused to cooperate and sign the necessary paperwork despite providing samples, but he also later destroyed the vials, adding fuel to the controversy.

After a dramatic appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Yang’s ban was reduced to four years and three months. As soon as his suspension ended, Yang wasted no time diving back into competition at the National Summer Swimming Championships, representing Zhejiang with fierce determination. His message on social media was simple but powerful: “Exceed yourself. Be a fearless swimmer.” It’s clear that Yang is not just back—he’s back with a vengeance.

But this isn’t the first time Yang has faced scrutiny. In 2014, he tested positive for trimetazidine, a substance he claimed was for heart treatment, which led to a three-month suspension. He returned to the pool with a clean slate, but the incident remains a blemish on his record, especially at a time when China’s swimming program was already under scrutiny. Interestingly, WADA allowed 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for the same substance to compete in Tokyo, claiming it was ingested through food at their accommodation.

With Yang’s return to the water, the question now is whether he can make it back to the Olympics for a fourth stint in 2028. Does he have what it takes to defy the odds once more and add to his storied legacy? Share your thoughts below!