The 21-year-old from Bloemfontein lit up a mediocre campaign for the country at the Fina World Championships by unexpectedly claiming the 50m backstroke title.
It was a heartening event given how Duncan Scott and Mack Horton’s refusal to acknowledge China’s Sun’s victories due to his previous doping violation dominated the headlines.
“I think it was more in protest of the doping system that could be improved,” Waddell told Sport24.
“I fully support Duncan and Mack because in 2014, Sun was caught with a hard drug. He tested positive and he served a ban. I’m of the opinion that if you have been found guilty of doping and, even if you have served a ban, you should not be allowed to compete professionally in the sport of swimming anymore.”
Sun is now subject to renewed allegations of further wrongdoing in terms of substance use.