In July last year, Australian swimmer Cate Campbell delivered a stinging sledge to American swimmers, labelling them “sore losers” after American broadcasters aired an alternate World Aquatics Championships medal tally that had the Americans on top.
It was a controversial act from the Americans considering Australia won the most gold, while the USA had the biggest tally of medals.
TODAY host Karl Stefanovic was first to label them “sore, pathetic losers” before Campbell joined in.
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“Such sore losers,” she said.
“I mean, Australia coming out on top of the world is one thing, but it is just so much sweeter beating America.
“(On) the first night of competition, we did not have to hear ‘Star Spangled Banner’ ring out through the stadium. I cannot tell you how happy that made me.
“If I (ever) hear that song again it will be too soon. Bring on Paris. That’s all I have to say to the US. Stop being sore losers.”
Campbell has previously told The Sydney Morning Herald those comments were in jest, however that hasn’t stopped the Americans from being peeved.
According to the Herald, Campbell’s comments have now featured on NBC’s swimming coverage with champion Olympian Michael Phelps reacting in shock.
“Wow. That’s the first time I saw this,” he said.
“I would watch that thing every single day to give me that little extra [motivation].”
100m breaststroke world record holder and Olympic gold medallist Lily King was equally as amused.
“It’s just funny to me that it gets on their nerves that much. That’s amusing,” she said
“Is it going to be worse if they beat us than somebody else? Yeah. I’m glad everyone is jealous of the pride that we have for our country.
“We like each other, but we want to kill each other when we’re in the pool.”