The wait is over! Adam Peaty secures Team GB’s FIRST gold medal in Tokyo after swimming sensation becomes king of pool again to win the men’s 100m breaststroke and retain his title from Rio 2016
British swimming sensation Adam Peaty made Olympic history in Tokyo this morning by winning gold for the second time in the 100m breaststroke.
The 26-year-old from Uttoxeter cruised to victory to defend his Olympic crown and confirm his status as Britain’s undisputed king of the pool.
Fresh-faced Peaty, who had shaved off his beard just days before the event, was unable to beat his own world record of 56.88 seconds.
Team GB’s Adam Peaty made Olympic history in Tokyo by winning the men’s 100 breaststroke
Briton Peaty held his medal aloft and beamed during the medal ceremony after his triumph
Peaty dominated the field again to remain king of the pool and take Team GB’s first gold medal
But he remains unbeaten over 100m at breaststroke for the last seven years – which include his gold medal at Rio 2016.
Looking exhausted but ecstatic as he got out of the pool Peaty bowed to the crowd to acknowledge his victory.
The Briton shouted ‘come on’ to his Team GB team-mates who had come Tokyo’s Aquatics Centre to cheer him on.
A clearly emotional Peaty celebrated wildly after coming home in first to retain his 2016 title
Peaty posed for the poolside cameras and had bowed to the crowd to acknowledge his victory
Peaty came home clear of the opposition but did not come close to breaking his own record, recording a time of 57.37 seconds.
His victory is Team GB’s first gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
Before the event new father Peaty told how he missed having his family and other supporters in the crowd.
He also admitted Tokyo ‘does not feel like an Olympics’.
He said: ‘It’s very different out there.
‘It’s very strange because you think you can come here and rely on that ‘oomph’.
‘But there’s not many people in the crowd because they’re all athletes, coaches and media, which is very different.’
Peaty beamed with joy and pride as he was awarded his Olympic gold medal.
Swimming sensation Peaty (left) beat Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands, who won the silver
But his enthusiasm got the better of him as he turned the air blue with his first words after securing victory.
He said: ‘It takes an athlete to be the best person on the day and who f****** wants it more.
‘It just means the world to me.
‘I thought I had the best preparation but morning finals changed everything and threw that out of window.’
He added: ‘I felt the pressure but I needed to put myself on edge.
‘You can do whatever you want in your own pool but when it comes to being out here it’s not about a time.
‘I was racing myself. It wasn’t about the time but the race.
Peaty punched the water after defending his crown and continuing his lengthy unbeaten run
‘I wanted it more. I know they are trying to get me but that’s where the training comes in.
‘It’s like the four minute mile – once one person does it others do.’
Peaty also thanked everyone back in Britain for supporting him in his quest for gold.
He said: ‘Thanks to the nation for being behind me for five years and my family and my beautiful boy.
‘I knew it was going to take every bit of energy and I’m just so f****** relieved. Apologies for the swearing!’
Peaty’s mum has told of her pride – and relief – at her son’s victory.
Caroline Peaty said in a tweet: ‘So glad that’s over, blood pressure must be through the roof lol x.
‘Our house was so quiet, we couldn’t breathe. We are beyond proud @adam_peaty.
‘Love u loads.’
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