Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Adam Peaty unleashed a 57.39 to make it the top 20 performances in history at the British Swimming Selection Trials at the London Aquatics Centre.
No other man has ever gone inside 58 seconds but it was a 15th trip through that particular barrier for the Briton who twice went 57 on the first day of the meet.
The first time he ever did so was in the same pool at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park when he went 57.92 almost exactly six years to the day.
The eight-time world champion sent shudders across pool decks the world over when he went 57.70 in morning heats, the ninth-fastest time in history.
Come the final and Peaty was back for more.
Out in 26.69 and back in 30.70, Peaty was in a world of his own ahead of James Wilby whose time of 58.76 was inside the consideration time of 59.23 with Ross Murdoch third in 59.51.
Peaty and Wilby had both been pre-selected after their one-two finish at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju but their performances on Wednesday evening saw the pair confirm their slots in the event with Wilby also going for the 200br.
Peaty’s programme is done though and he will go back home on Thursday for a visit to the dentist.
Adam Peaty. Photo Courtesy: Becca Wyant
He said:
“I’ve had a lot going on – having a kid, moving house. I’m happy to come here, put down, that’s consolidated the top 20 now.
“For me the execution was perfect, I’m way ahead of where I should be now so I can take a lot of confidence into the summer, into the Olympics and have Great Britain at my back and show the world we’re a force to be reckoned with.”
The 26-year-old, who is coached by Mel Marshall at the National Centre Loughborough, became a first-parent when he and partner Eiri Munro welcomed son George in September 2020.
Peaty continued:
“The motivation with a child, it’s like nothing else, it’s unreal.
“Every day he gets older, every day I get more motivated. He’s learning to crawl and getting teeth, that’s another achievement! It’s great to be a father and hopefully be an inspiration for him when he grows up.”
While Covid restrictions in Britain are being eased, it has been a fraught year for many athletes who have contend with the postponement of Tokyo 2020, pools being shut and lockdowns being imposed.
Peaty first trained at Dove Valley, a swimming club in Uttoxeter, a town in the English midlands county of Staffordshire.
Photo Courtesy: Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse
Never one to forget his roots and beginnings, Peaty said:
“It’s been very tough, not to take anything from these athletes who’ve been out of the pool, but it’s been extremely tough – what got me through it was that little glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.
“If you can keep your eyes focused on that and power through every single day waking up with a positive mindset, you prove you can do anything.
“The next generation of athletes, if you’re watching at home, you’re going to be the most important generation to see where the world can go after COVID in the next four, six, eight years, when the veterans are all retired!”
Peaty is always mindful of those around him who have played an integral role in his journey and he posted on social media.
Peaty And His Journey Inside 58
56.88, 2019 World Championships
57.10, 2018 European Championships
57.13, 2016 Olympic Games
57.14, 2019 World Championships
57.39, 2021 British Swimming Selection Trials
57.47, 2017 World Championships
57.55, 2016 Olympic Games
57.59, 2019 World Championships
57.62, 2016 Olympic Games
57.70, 2021 British Swimming Selection Meet
57.75, 2017 World Championships
57.79, 2017 British Championships
57.87, 2019 British Championships
57.89, 2018 European Championships
57.92, 2015 British Championships
Ilya Shymanovich is the next swiftest all-time in 58.29 with Nicolo Martinenghi going third in 58.37 earlier this month.
Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands (58.43) and Wilby and 2012 champion Cameron van der Burgh (both 58.46) are fourth and joint fifth all-time.
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