Men’s Medley team win silver on last day in Rio

Team GB put in a stunning performance to win silver in the men’s 4x100m Medley Relay on the last day of the swimming competition at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The British quartet of Adam Peaty, James Guy, Chris Walker-Hebborn and Duncan Scott pushed the USA every inch but were beaten to gold by 1.29 seconds.

Walker-Hebborn started strongly, chasing the American Ryan Murphy who posted a world record in the backstroke. Olympic gold medallist Peaty then once again proved his dominance as he moved through the field to put the Brits back out in front and swim the fastest ever breaststroke split (56.5).

Guy then went head-to-head with USA’s Michael Phelps through the butterfly leg, turning first at the half way mark and touching just 0.69 off the American’s pace at the change-over.

Scott confidently held off the Australians to bring the race home in a massive British record 3:29.24.

Adam Peaty said: “I was a man on a mission. I knew the Americans would go out fast. Chris did an amazing job, so when I dived in I had the composure and control.

“It was absolutely amazing to get that split. We’re looking at a very good relay coming together. Hopefully that’s a message to the rest of the world for four years’ time.”

James Guy added: “To be beside the greatest of all time in Michael Phelps is pretty special. I have watched him since I was a young boy and to race him and go head-to-head is pretty special and something I will never forget.

“If you compare the size of us to the US, Texas is three times bigger than Great Britain. The variety they have is special, but for us we are a small country and up and coming. We are up with them, we came second and it was a great race. There is so much to work and Tokyo is going to be the one I think.”

British record in the Women’s Medley Relay

The Team GB women set a new British record in the 4x100m Medley relay, in a final that saw USA win their 1000th Olympic gold medal.

The quartet of Georgia Davies, Chloe Tutton, Siobhan-Marie O’Connor and Fran Halsall put in solid swims in a fast field to touch in 3:56.96 for seventh place.

Wales’ Davies also posted a lifetime best 59.43 in the backstroke.

O’Connor said: “It’s such a great way to finish off with those girls and we got a British record as well which tops it off really.

“To then see the boys win a silver medal was great and I’m so proud to be part of this team. It’s been such a brilliant week and one of the most successful weeks Britain have ever had at the Olympics so it’s been a dream week really.

“We’ve had a couple of tough finishes with fourths but everyone has worked their absolute hardest to be here and everyone should hold their heads up high.

“This week hasn’t really sunk in just yet. I’m just going to try to enjoy the rest of the Olympics, we’re here in Rio and it’s an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Halsall agonisingly close in 50m Free

Fran Halsall was just 0.02 seconds outside the podium in a very close 50m Freestyle final.

Halsall touched behind Belarus’ Aliaksandra Herasimenia in a season’s best 24.13.

After the race Halsall, who also competed in the Medley relay final, said: “It’s disappointing not to come away with the result I wanted but I’ve done everything I could this season to give myself the best shot.

“It was a strong field and it didn’t go to form with who you thought would be there or thereabouts, so it was anyone’s for the taking but unfortunately I just couldn’t get my hand on the wall quick enough.

“I’ve been able to enjoy my racing, while previous seasons have been quite tough with that. I was able to enjoy the atmosphere and put in a really solid race.”

The day rounded off Team GB’s most successful Olympic Games in the swimming pool since London 1908. The Medley silver medal took GB’s total in the pool to six.

View the full results from the day seven swimming events over on the Rio 2016 website.