April 3, (THEWILL)- Olympic champion Adam Peaty served notice to his rivals by booking his place at the 2024 Paris Games with a blistering 100m breaststroke win at the British Swimming Championships. The 29-year-old Briton clocked 57.94 seconds in the final at London’s Aquatics Centre – the fastest time in the world this year.
Peaty had set 2023’s previous best of 58.53secs in the heats earlier on Tuesday. His time in the final eclipsed American Nic Fink’s 58.57 world-leading mark from last February’s world championships in Doha, where Peaty had to settle for bronze. The Briton’s world record of 56.88, set in 2019, remains untouched.
With the Paris qualifying time set at 59.45secs, Peaty’s victory underlined his intent to claim an unprecedented third successive 100m breaststroke Olympic gold. James Wilby finished second in 59.47 to also book his Paris spot. “There’s still a lot to comer” a delighted Peaty told BBC after his fastest swim since Tokyo 2020.
The new father admitted his road to Paris had been challenging after taking a break from competition last year to address mental health issues. However, Peaty emphasised his gratitude and determination, saying: “I woke up today blessed, healthy, with talent – I just want to race the world’s best.”
China’s Qin Haiyang, who swept the breaststroke titles at last year’s worlds with a 57.69 100m, has emerged as Peaty’s main Paris rival. However the Briton’s scorching Championships form suggests an epic Olympic pool duel awaits.
