It’s just peachy for Peaty and Proud does GB proud
OLYMPIC champion Adam Peaty claimed an expected title and Ben Proud a surprise gold medal at the World Championships in Budapest last night.
Peaty bettered his own championship record to finish in 57.47 seconds in the 100 metres breaststroke, but his own world record of 57.13secs set last August in winning Olympic gold in Rio was beyond him.
His nearest rival was Kevin Cordes of the United States, who was 1.32 seconds behind, while bronze went to Kirill Prigoda of Russia in 59.05.
Briton Ross Murdoch was eighth in 59.45 as Peaty retained the title he won in Kazan, Russia two years ago.
After Peaty had received his medal, Proud won the 50m butterfly in 22.75 seconds.
He had qualified fourth fastest, but built on a superb start to touch the wall first.
“We have done a lot of speed work this year and I just missed the record but I am more than happy with that. I am so happy with that,” said a delighted Peaty.
“I felt like a little boy again coming out then. You can aim for World record each year but they are world records for a reason.
“I just missed it but I have the 50m tomorrow – I will see what I can get!
“I got a massive cheer when I came out then and that means so much to me. Especially as most of this crowd is Hungarian so it is amazing to have support from all over the world.
“It’s just hard work and belief. If you are a kid watching this now, you can be an at the Olympics in four or eight years time.”
Peaty won Great Britain’s first gold medal of the Rio Olympics, 1.5secs ahead of his nearest rival.
But he is determined to build on that performance.
Peaty’s long-term goal is ‘Project 56’, clocking under 57 seconds, and another gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
He clocked 56.59 in claiming medley relay silver with Britain in Rio, but relay takeovers result in faster times.
The 22-year-old Uttoxeter swimmer - the 2015 world champion in the event and over 50m clocked a championship record of 57.75 in qualifying fastest from Sunday night’s semi-finals, despite admitting to slowing down in the closing metres.
A passionate crowd at the Duna Arena by the banks of the Danube cheered on the Hungarian swimmers and Peaty is thriving in the environment, describing it as “home”.
He said he was going through the motions in Sunday night’s semi-final and would make sure he was fully focused on a best performance for Monday night’s final.
However, he had also conceded sustaining his pace from the start would be a challenge.
He turned in 26.50, 0.11 under world record pace, but finished narrowly outside his best mark in another scintillating display.
As for Proud, he struggled to keep his emotions in check after his surprise victory, saying: “I don’t know what to say.
“I’m on the verge of tears. It’s been my dream since I was six years old.
“Yesterday I was really stressed out today I was calmer and I wasn’t thinking about winning. It’s really helped. I thought getting a medal would be nice.
“The pieces of the puzzle have come together. I was panicking before as I couldn’t get my clothes off but once I put my foot on the block it was just about me and my race.”
Meanwhile Welsh swimmer Georgia Davies just missed out on a spot in the final of the 100m backstroke last night