For Peaty’s sake … the impossible upset result we didn’t see coming
100M BREASTSTROKE
TWO Aussies have done what most people thought impossible – beating Adam Peaty on to the medal podium in the 100m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games.
But in a shock twist, neither Australian ended up with the gold because another Englishman beat them to the touch on the wall.
Zac Stubblety-cook, the 200m gold medallist, won the silver while Sam Williamson grabbed the bronze, relegating Peaty to fourth as the gold went to James Wilby in a massive upset.
Peaty is the king of the event, holding every major title in swimming, and was odds-on to win another gold but he was well off his best after recently recovering from a broken ankle, fading on the second length after leading at the turn.
A slow beginner, Stubblety-cook was eighth at the halfway mark but flashed home and was centimetres away from winning the gold when he ran out of room.
“Yeah, I’m pretty stoked. I mean, it was such a great atmosphere and such a great race,” said StubbletyCook. “It was just, you know, it’s great to be among some of those really good guys and I think the atmosphere is pretty cool.
“I think Sam and I both appreciate like, watching Peaty come out and it was just like the whole crowd was in the stands and I looked up and was like this is going to be fun.
“It was a tight finish and we all came through and I think we all executed the best race we could.
“Like he’ll be ready to go in Paris. his world record is still three seconds faster than what we just swam so there’s no secret.”
Williamson was in tears in the mixed zone.
“The last two years have been pretty rocky. Swimming alongside the company of these guys, it’s a dream come true.”