RIO DE JANEIRO – Don’t expect Lilly King to show much sympathy for rival Yulia Efimova, despite the Russian’s tearful breakdown earlier this week.
King’s individual campaign ended on Wednesday night when she finished seventh in the second semifinal of the 200-meter breaststroke, but will compete, likely against Efimova, in the medley relay on Saturday. Efimova reached the 200-meter final with the sixth-fastest qualifying time, and swam in the first semi.
“You know, I am not an emotional person,” King said, smiling, when asked if Efimova’s tears at Monday’s press conference had affected her. “So… I wasn’t…I was just focusing on me and (American) Katie (Meili) after she won bronze.