Peaty dips back under a minute in Edinburgh

ADAM PEATY sent out a message to his Commonwealth rivals — including Scotland’s Ross Murdoch — by winning the British Championships in Edinburgh yesterday.

The Olympic champion, 23, surged away to win the 100 metres breaststroke in 58.78 seconds, leaving Gold Coast team-mate James Wilby with the silver and Murdoch having to settle for bronze.

It was the first time Peaty had gone under a minute since last July and it was in the nick of time ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Games, with the Englishman (pictured right on his way to victory in the capital) saying there is much more to come.

‘I’ve been in very good form,’ he said. ‘This has kind of been my first meet of the season as I’ve missed two or three I should have been at.

‘But this season has all been about longevity. Going into 2019, I want to be performing at the worlds.’

Murdoch, the reigning Commonwealth champion at 200m, signalled he is still short of top form but the Scot believes he is on course to find his best Down Under.

‘This went better than I expected — as we’re moving though the meet,’ he said.

‘I’ve been feeling that bit sharper, to be honest.

‘My start felt good, so I’m happy with it. Having a shave makes such a difference. A fresh suit and a shave and I’ll be good to go.’

Kathleen Dawson was fourth in the 100m backstroke as Lizzie Simmonds struck gold in the 100m backstroke which added to her 200m victory.