Ben Proud calling 2021 ‘a weird year’ may have been one of the biggest understatements of the past 12 months but he was delighted to end it as a world champion – even if victory came as something of a surprise.
The two-time Olympian surged to a brilliant victory in the men’s 50m freestyle at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Having qualified for the final as third seed, Proud clocked a lightning-fast time of 20.45s in the event affectionately known as the ‘splash and dash’ to take gold ahead of USA’s Ryan Held in silver with Canada’s Joshua Liendo Edwards in bronze - notching Great Britain's first medal of the Championships.
The 27-year-old won 50m butterfly gold at the Long Course World Champs back in 2017 but this was his first world gold in a 25-metre pool and helped diminish the self-professed disappointment at finishing fifth in the 50m freestyle final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
"I’m really surprised with that time, I wasn’t expecting so much and that’s a big stepping stone for me,” explained Proud.
“I was really upset with the Olympics and how it went, I can’t lie about that but to finish off like this is a little surprise I didn’t expect.
“It’s been a weird year for me but I can go home now with a nice medal around my neck, see family, see friends and enjoy myself.”
Proud’s fifth-place finish in Tokyo followed a fourth in the same event at Rio 2016 but he relished being back on the podium in Abu Dhabi.
And while Paris 2024 will soon enter the thoughts of every swimmer, Proud is looking forward to a 2022 without the immediate pressure of an Olympic Games.
“Looking ahead to next year, after the Olympics, there’s no pressure but I want to be on the podium at every event,” he added.
“I have a lot to learn and take away from this and I’ve learned so much about myself, racing so much.
“I can’t wait to come into the new year with less pressure. It was a tough year so to come through and do the best I can, will be great."