Adam Peaty wins Olympic gold in Rio

Swimming News

Adam Peaty proved his dominance in the 100m Breaststroke, taking gold and setting a new world record to become Team GB’s first medallist of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The City of Derby swimmer lowered his world record for the second time in two days to touch in 57.13 and become the first British man to win an Olympic swimming gold since Adrian Moorhouse at Seoul 1988.

The 21-year old, who was afraid of water when he was younger, was making his Olympic debut in Rio.

He had been untouchable in the heats and semi-finals, and continued his dominance into the final, coming home more than a second and a half clear of the field with Cameron van der Burgh (RSA) winning silver and Cody Miller (USA) taking bronze.

Peaty said: “I can’t even put into words what that swim means to me. I was aware I was in front but not by that much. I touched the wall and looked to my left and thought ‘where is everybody?’.

“I thought the best possible race I could do would be get to 57.3 so to get 57.1 is something else. It’s absolutely incredible.

“It just proves you don’t have to have the best facilities around you. People think this is what it takes to become an Olympic gold medallist but what you really need to do is put 100% effort in. My parents have been there from the start and always push me forward.

“I look at those flags and seeing those colours means so much to me. We’ve done so much in this country and to represent the people at home is an absolute honour for me.

“That proves tonight that kids watching at home are in the same position I was four years ago watching others take the glory and win races. London was so much for me and really inspired me.”

Carlin takes silver in 400m Freestyle

Wales’ Jazz Carlin lowered her lifetime best from the heats to secure her place on the podium, touching in 4:01.23 minutes behind USA’s Katie Ledecky, who set a world record for gold.

Carlin said: “Four years ago I was sat in the stands cheering everyone on as part of the crowd and now I’m actually a part of the team and I’m absolutely over the moon to come away with a silver medal.

“I just wanted to come here and give it absolutely everything with no regrets.”

Guy through to 200m free final

After winning his heat earlier in the day, James Guy put in a solid swim in the semi-finals to go into the day three 200m Freestyle finals ranked eighth overall.

The reigning world champion, said: “I’ve just got to swim my own final now. I don’t know about a time but I know if I’m fighting for places, I’ll never give up.

“It’s nice to have the title of world champion but it’s all about the final now. That’s what people are thinking about. I need to forget about last year and it’s all about this year now.”

Walker-Hebborn misses out on 100m Back final

Chris Walker-Hebborn touched in 53.75in the 100m Backstroke semi-final to finish outside the rankings in eleventh overall.

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