Peaty stays on course for a golden hat-trick in Glasgow
LOUGHBOROUGH’S Adam Peaty secured his first gold at the 2018 European championships on Saturday night setting a new world record in the process.
Peaty won the 100m breaststroke final in 57.10 with team mate James Wilby claiming the silver medal.
The 23-year-old said: “The European Championships hold a very close place in my heart because it’s where I got my first world record.
After the heats swim I knew I was in good shape, but for me it was a weird one as I wasn’t going out there to break a world record.
“I got to 50m and it felt so easy, then coming back all the passion, emotion and let down from the Commonwealths pushed me down that last 50. Breaking this record puts me and Great Britain in a great place for two years time.”
Peaty claimed his second gold of the championships in the 4 x 100m mixed medley.
The team, made up individual gold medallists Georgia Davies and Adam Peaty with James Guy and Freya Anderson, secured the win in a new European Record time of 3.40:18. Russia were pushed into silver medal position and Italy bronze.
Peaty said: “I was probably feeling about a nine out of 10, after the World Record I was a bit sore, but it was great to get back into the pool and win. I love it here at Glasgow, it’s a great pool and a great atmosphere.”
He started his quest for a golden hattrick by breaking the championship record in his 50m breaststroke heat, coming home in a time of 26.50. The final is due to take place today (Wednesday) at 4.48pm.