- Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov was dropped by Speedo for attending a pro-war rally.
- He's now under investigation by the sport's global governing body.
- "I think the whole point is that I am the world face of swimming," the double Olympic champion said.
The Russian swimmer who was dropped by his sponsor for attending a pro-war rally in Moscow has claimed he's being targeted because he is, in his own words, the sport's biggest star.
Evgeny Rylov, who won gold in both the 100 and 200-meter backstroke events at the Tokyo Olympic Games, was cut by swimming brand Speedo after he appeared at a rally organized by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow earlier this month.
The 25-year-old wore his Olympic medals and a coat baring the nationalist "Z" symbol as he took to the stage alongside a number of other athletes.
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has now also opened disciplinary proceedings against the Olympic champion, who like all Russian athletes, is currently banned from competing in international swimming events.
Speaking with Russian newspaper Sport Express on Saturday, Rylov said he believed he had become the target of a witch hunt due to his success in the pool.
"I think the whole point is that I am the world face of swimming and double the demand on me," he said.
The assertion from Rylov that he is the face of global swimming is contentious. Many other swimmers, like US starlet Katie Ledecky, could also lay claim to being swimming's biggest star.
"If it wasn't for me who went on stage at Luzhniki, but for someone else from the swimmers, they might not even pay attention. At the Olympics, I attracted increased attention, and now it is riveted to me in all aspects of life."
Rylov added that cannot understand why FINA are investigating him for his appearance at the rally.
"I don't understand what I did, but in the end they filed a complaint against me for that offended the feelings of other athletes," he said.
"You see, I offended them by simply supporting my country, my president. I don't know how to argue with that."
Asked about his deal with Speedo being terminated, Rylov said: "I received a request to write an explanatory note. My answer: No comment.
"What should I explain to them?"
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