Olympic Cheating Scandal: Swimmer Cameron van der Burgh Admits to Cheating [Video]
Olympic men's 100-meter breaststroke winner Cameron van der Burgh admitted to cheating during his victory at the London Games, which ironically also set a new world-record time, reported by NBC on Aug. 7.
Following the rules of breaststroke, a swimmer is allowed to take one dolphin kick at the start of the competition and one after each turn before starting their breaststroke. However, according to NBC, video replays clearly show van der Burgh sneaking in three extra kicks, giving him an advantage in speed.
In an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, the South African swimmer admitted to cheating but did not stop there: he made a note to mention that other athletes do the same rule-breaking to get an advantage in the water.
"If you're not doing it, you're falling behind," van der Burgh, 24, said. "It's not obviously - shall we say - the moral thing to do, but I'm not willing to sacrifice my personal performance...for someone that is willing to do it and get away with it."
This interview conveniently happened after the competition when van der Burgh won the gold and set a world-record time of 58.46. USA's Brenden Hansen came in third place.
Final scores and medals given by FINA officials cannot be reversed but the IOC has the power to make changes if they choose to.
To watch a replay of the controversial swim that took place on July 29, click here.
