King takes aim at Efimova and Gatlin after breaststroke win

American King triumphed ahead of Russian Efimova in the pool on Monday, having criticised the decision to allow the Russian to compete despite having served a drugs ban.

Lilly King celebrates her victory in the women's 100m breaststroke.

Lilly King once again took aim at rival Yulia Efimova and questioned Justin Gatlin's position on the United States Olympic team after clinching gold in the 100 metre breaststroke.

American King triumphed ahead of Russian Efimova in the pool on Monday, having criticised the decision to allow the Russian to compete despite having served a drugs ban.

Efimova was also given a provisional ban for testing positive for meldonium earlier this year, but Swimming's governing body FINA overturned the decision on advice from the World Anti-Doping Agency.

She was subsequently confirmed as one of the 271 Russian competitors eligible to take part in Rio, and has been roundly jeered during her appearances. And King re-opened her criticism of Efimova by saying her triumph is a victory for clean athletes.

"I think, you know, my win just proves that you can compete clean and still come out on top with all the hard work you put in behind the scenes," she said. "There is a way to become the best and do it the right way.

"I've had a lot of support for the most part. I basically said what everybody's thinking. They were glad I spoke out and I had the guts to say that and I appreciate their support."

Efimova was not the only one singled out by King, though, with the 19-year-old critical of the decision to allow sprinter and compatriot Gatlin to race in the Games despite two previous drug bans. She added: "Do I think somebody who has been caught doping should be on the team? No, I don't."