Peaty and Halsall win European golds in London

Swimming News

English swimmers Adam Peaty and Fran Halsall struck gold on the penultimate day of the LEN European Aquatics Championships 2016.

Both athletes defended their own European titles, Peaty’s in the 50m Breaststroke and Halsall in the 50m Backstroke. Victory brought Halsall’s second gold of the championships, having won the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay with Peaty on day two.

Peaty qualified fastest through the semi-finals the previous night, and touched in 26.66 ahead of Slovenia’s Peter John Stevens and GB team mate, Scotland’s Ross Murdoch.

“My start wasn’t the best and I’m happy to post the same time as yesterday,” said Peaty.

“The crowd was absolutely amazing and this is great for GB swimmers to get some confidence for the Olympics.”

Halsall had a terrific final swim, lowering a six-year old Championship record, touching in 27.57 to top the podium, just missing out on a new British record. Wales’ Georgia Davies claimed the bronze medal in 27.87.

“That was exciting – I enjoyed that a lot,” said Halsall. “This shows I’m in great shape at an important stage in the season.

“I managed to swim in a straight line and deliver a great swim tonight so I’m really happy with that.”

Halsall impressed the crowd a second time tonight, finishing the 50m Freestyle semis as the fastest qualifier.

She swam 24.21 and will be hungry for another medal in the finals tonight.

Ben Proud, who claimed a bronze in the 50m Fly on day two, also looked strong in the 50m Freestyle. He qualified second fastest overall, winning his heat with 21.84.

  • Click here to view full results of the London 2016 European Championships
  • Click here to watch a full replay of the action from London.
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