Proud sets British record on way to final

Ben Proud led the field after a powerful start in the second semi-final of the 50m Freestyle. The Plymouth Leander swimmer was the youngest in the heat, but held on against strong opposition to touch third in a British record 21.54. Proud goes through to the final as fifth fastest qualifier.

“It wasn’t really about the British record, it was just about getting my hand on the wall and getting that ticket for the final”, said Proud.

“Anything can happen in that final and the medals could come from anywhere. I think I’ve put myself in a great position. I didn’t execute my start the way I wanted to again, so I think there’s slightly more to come.

“It’s going to take a good 21.4 to medal. I don’t see why I can’t do that but it’s about doing it on the day. This is the hardest swim – just getting into the final. You never know what’s going to happen and it could go either way. It is going to be a good race against a good field.”

Tutton and Renshaw in 200m Breaststroke battle

City of Cardiff’s Chloe Tutton touched just 0.06 seconds outside the medal positions in the 200m Breaststroke final. National Centre Loughborough swimmer, Molly Renshaw, finished in sixth.

The Team GB pair both started well with Renshaw turning third at the first turn. Tutton, in the outside lane, pushed hard down the final 50m to chase down China’s Jinglin Shi, but just missed out by the smallest of margins.

Tutton equalled her Welsh record by touching in 2:22.34 for fourth. Renshaw, who set a British record in the semi- finals, was sixth in 2:22.72.

“I’m happy with that time but being so close to a medal, you can’t help but be a little bit disappointed”, said Tutton.

“I had no idea where I was in the race. I couldn’t see anybody so it was tough to see the scoreboard at the end and to see a fourth – so close, but never mind.”

“I’ve got many more years to improve so hopefully that’s just experience that I can put under my belt and do a bit better in the future.”

Renshaw commented: “I guess I was a lot more nervous coming into the final and I guess that got the better of me coming down that last length. But I’m still happy with that.

“My aim coming into this was to make the final. I’ve managed to do that and I’ve enjoyed it every step of the way.

“Missing out on London 2012 pushed me for these past four years so being so close this year will definitely push me for Tokyo 2020.”

Guy looks towards medley relay

James Guy finished out of contention for the 100m Butterfly final after touching in 52.10 for seventh in a tight heat.

The Millfield swimmer said: “It was a solid swim but it’s all about that medley relay now for me. I’m really excited for the relay.

“Obviously [Adam] Peaty’s on fire, Chris [Walker-Hebborn] is swimming well and Duncan Scott is swimming very, very fast so we’ve got a good chance of a medal there which is quite nice.

“We’ve been doing a few bits of practice for takeovers this week but everyone has been quite busy with their individual events. I haven’t done a great deal of butterfly this year but I’ve done a 51 second and with takeover time as well, it’ll be faster hopefully.”

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