RIO DE JANEIRO _ Lilly King didn't mince words when asked to discuss Russian rival Yulia Efimova.
The two were seen giving each a Dikembe Mutombo-like finger wag between heats of the 100-meter breaststroke semifinals Sunday night.
Efimova had just won her heat and shook her finger at King, who then shook hers back _ then went out and won her semifinal heat, topping Efimova's time in the process.
King said there was meaning behind the gesture toward Efimova, who has twice been caught for doping and was cleared to participate in the race Friday.
"You're shaking your finger No. 1 and you've been caught for drug cheating," King told NBC. "I'm just not a fan. I'm going to go swim my heart out for the USA and hopefully that turns out the best."
King did not back down from the comments when meeting with reporters afterward.
"That's just kind of my personality," King said. "I'm not the sweet little girl. That's not who I am."
The finals are Monday night. Stay tuned for more finger wagging and some good swimming too.
