Adam Peaty swam the fastest 50 breaststroke of 2022 at the British Championships while Olympic relay silver medallist Luke Greenbank squeaked into the 100 back final after a rigmarole that involved ineligibility and a swim-off that never happened.
Peaty recorded the world’s fastest time of 27.10 at the meet at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, which doubles as trials for the World Championships in Budapest.
However, Greenbank – who swam the men’s medley relay lead-off in Tokyo – initially finished joint ninth in the 100 back alongside Craig McNally in 55.37 and to all intents and purposes it appeared they would be in the B final.
However, British Swimming later informed Swimming World that Sebastian Somerset – who qualified in fifth – is ineligible for the final as his application to switch representation from Canada to Britain has not yet been ratified by FINA.
That meant that Greenbank and McNally would swim off for the eighth spot in Wednesday evening’s final.
However, the swim-off never happened with the pair deciding between them Greenbank would go into the A final and McNally the B.
However, it also raises the question of what – if anything – will happen regarding Somerset’s national title that he won in the 50 backstroke on Tuesday.
Swimming World has asked British Swimming for comment.
Brodie Williams headed the field in 54.48.
Medi Harris headed the women’s drama-free equivalent in 1:00.16 ahead of European champion Kathleen Dawson (1:00.98).
Peaty On The Prowl Once More: Guy Into Fly Final
Peaty is competing in only his second meet since Tokyo and spoke of his return as “a comeback not a continuation”.
He had been preselected for Budapest in the 100br but his 58.58 victory on Tuesday prompted relief, surprise and a confidence boost.
The eight-time world champion returned on Wednesday morning to post 27.10 in the 50m and move to the head of the world rankings ahead of his own 27.16 at the FFN Golden Tour in Marseille last month giving Peaty the top three times of 2022.
Craig Benson (27.65) and Ross Murdoch (27.71) were next swiftest with 100br silver medallist James Wilby also through.
James Guy: Photo Courtesy: FINIS
James Guy progressed to the 200 fly final, looking to his left and right as he approached the wall a la Chad Le Clos.
His time of 1:59.31 led the final heat and was third overall behind Mason Wilby (1:58.18) and Jay Lelliott (1:58.41).
He told Swimming World:
“It felt okay: it’s just getting through the rounds really. Trying to save as much as I can for the final as anyone would try and do.
“It’s great to be back here in Sheffield and yeah, job done.
“For me it’s about doing what I need to do to make it back for the finals and just seeing where I am in the morning.
“I think the first half was very controlled and hopefully I can drop more tonight with that.”
The women’s 200 breaststroke was subject to a protest with Abbie Wood returning from her 200 free title to head the field in 2:26.96.
Swimming World has reached out for comment.
Harriet Jones headed the women’s 50 fly in 26.51 with Aimee Hood swimming the swiftest 800 morning heat of 8:54.20 although the fastest heat will be contested this evening.