Proud disqualification upheld

Swimming News

Ben Proud’s disqualification from the 50m Butterfly at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games has been upheld.

The Games Record Holder was deemed to have started before the starting signal by an independent appeals panel.

Team England’s swimming Team Leader, Grant Robins, said: “Whilst this is incredibly disappointing for Ben, the team and England, we are all looking to move on quickly from this decision.

“We appreciate the time and focus dedicated to hearing our appeal, but Ben will now move his focus on to the 50m Freestyle on Monday, and on the 17 English swimmers who are in semis and finals tonight.”

Proud said: “Coming into the competition there is always apprehension ahead of the first race.

“With 10,000 fans in the crowd I wanted to give them something to cheer about by delivering a fast time.

“Unfortunately before the start signal I was judged to have moved my leg and the referee deemed this enough for a disqualification.

“I really wanted to come into the competition to retain both my titles and to have that opportunity taken away in the first heat is heart breaking.

“This has been four years of dedicated training and consistency – I feel I am in the shape of my life and am gutted to miss out on the opportunity to show what I can do. But the motivation is  already there to come back in four years’ time and regain my title in the event I love.

“This is now in the past – all I can do now is support my team mate Jacob. My focus is now fully on the 50m free.

“I would like to thank the team who helped ease me through this difficult situation.”

 

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