Lilly King wins gold in 100m breaststroke, calls out Russia's Yulia Efimova

Lilly King won the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke, then secured the last laugh against Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova.

American Lilly King took home the gold medal in Monday’s 100m breaststroke final, then got in one last dig against Russian swimmer Yulia Efimova.

King and Efimova went back and forth Sunday after the breaststroke semifinals, trading finger wags as subtle digs against one another. The rivalry began when King took issue with Efimova holding up a finger after winning a semifinal race.

“You’re shaking your finger No. 1, and you’ve been caught for drug cheating. I’m just not a fan,” King said Sunday, referencing how Efimova was mysteriously reinstated for the Olympics despite two previous drug issues and WADA ban. 

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Monday, King backed up her words by edging Efimova for first place and the gold medal. After the race, she reiterated her stance against the Russian swimmer.

“It was so incredible, winning a gold medal and knowing I did it clean,” King said. Later Monday, King maintained her position even when it came to American athletes, such as sprinter Justin Gatlin, who was previously suspended for doping.

“Do I think people caught for doping offenses should be on the team? No,” King said in regard to the sprinter.

King will next race in the 200m breaststroke on Wednesday.