World champion Adam Peaty insists the European Aquatics Championships are the perfect warm up for the Olympic Games as he clinched his third gold medal of the week in London.
Peaty, who won gold in the 100m breaststroke and 4x100m mixed medley relay on Tuesday, stormed to victory in the 50m breaststroke with Team GB teammate Ross Murdoch picking up a bronze medal in the same event.
Clocking a time of 26.66 seconds, 21-year-old Peaty quickly moved ahead of the rest of the field, although he was quick to admit he expected more.
“My start wasn’t the best, it could have been better but I’m happy to post the same time as yesterday,” he said.
“Everything happens for a reason though. I overthought the start and I paid for it. It’s a splash and dash but I’m really happy with that.
“The crowd were absolutely amazing and this event is absolutely perfect for the British swimmers to gain some competition experience and confidence ahead of Rio.”
Murdoch joined Peaty on the podium for the second time this week after winning silver in the 100m breaststroke.
He touched the wall in a time of 27.31 to ensure the full collection following his gold medal in the 200m breaststroke earlier in the week, and the Scot admits he couldn’t be happier with his performance in the capital.
“That’s my ninth race of the week and I am really happy with how my body has held up,” he said.
“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been a great week here in London and to have the European Aquatics Championships on home soil ahead of Rio is great."
Earlier in the day, Fran Halsall captured Great Britain’s first gold medal of the night in the 50m backstroke with Georgia Davies also joining her on the podium with a bronze medal.
Halsall bagged a new Championship record with a time of 27.57, and after quickly returning to the pool to secure herself a spot in tomorrow’s 50m freestyle final, the 26-year-old admits she couldn’t be in better form as she looks forward to her third Olympic Games later this summer.
“That was exciting,” she said. “I really enjoyed that a lot. It shows I’m in great shape at an important stage in the season.
“I managed to swim in a straight line and deliver a great time tonight, so I’m really happy with that.”
Elsewhere, Ben Proud will look to win his second medal of the Championships in tomorrow’s 50m freestyle final, after he won his semi-final to book a middle lane and qualify second fastest overall behind France’s reigning European champion Florent Manaudou.
Sportsbeat 2016