Sun Yang Returns to Competition After Doping Ban

Chinese swimmer Sun Yang will make his competitive return at the National Summer Swimming Championships in Hefei from August 25-28, following the end of his four-year doping ban on May 28. Representing his home province of Zhejiang, Sun will compete in the 400 meters freestyle, an event he won at the 2012 London Olympics. His ban was reduced from eight years due to a 2018 doping violation involving tampering with blood samples. Although cleared for competition, Sun faces the possibility of not being able to swim for the national team again due to Chinese anti-doping rules that disqualify athletes with longer bans. The upcoming meet has generated significant buzz on social media, with fans expressing support for his return. Sun's legacy includes three Olympic gold medals and numerous world titles, despite the controversies surrounding his doping history.