Commonwealth Games – Day Two Prelims: Duncan Scott Set For Double Gold Chase; Adam Peaty Is Back
Following a strong opening day at the Commonwealth Games, one which yielded a pair of podium sweeps, Australia entered the second day of competition looking to maintain the momentum it built. During the Day Two prelims, action was held in the men’s 200 freestyle, women’s 50 freestyle, men’s 100 breaststroke, women’s 100 backstroke, men’s 400 individual medley and men’s 400 freestyle relay.
In the middle of the session, two-time Olympic champion Adam Peaty of England will make his return to international racing. Peaty was forced out of the World Championships due to a broken foot sustained during dryland training.
Here is an event-by-event recap of the Day Two prelims:
Men’s 200 Freestyle
Australia’s Elijah Winnington, coming off a victory in the 400 freestyle, was the only athlete to go under 1:47 as he moved through his heat in 1:46.87. He was followed by Scotland’s Duncan Scott (1:47.16) and England’s Tom Dean (1:47.19), who figure to battle it out for the title, as was the case at last year’s Olympic Games. In Tokyo, it was Dean who clipped his British teammate for the gold.
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Women’s 50 Freestyle
Australia has positioned itself for the opportunity at another podium sweep. The Dolphins sent the top-three qualifiers into the semifinals, led by Shaya Jack and her mark of 24.31. Jack’s countrywomen, Emma McKeon (24.52) and Meg Harris (24.57) were next in the order. McKeon is the reigning Olympic champion in the event and will have double duty during the night session, with the 50 freestyle semifinals complementing the final of the 100 butterfly. Fourth in qualifying went to England’s Anna Hopkin in 24.77.
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Men’s 100 Breaststroke
England’s Adam Peaty, making his return to global racing after rehabbing a broken foot, knocked the rust off during his prelim swim. The world-record holder was the lone swimmer to crack the minute mark, as he clocked in at 59.92. Peaty was out in 27.66 and came home in a bath of 32.26. Look for Peaty to pick up the pace during the semifinals. In the No. 2 position was Australia’s Sam Williamson, who went 1:00.16 and was followed by 200 breaststroke champ Zac Stubblety-Cook and his 1:00.18.
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Women’s 100 Backstroke
The gold medal in the 100 backstroke is expected to come down to a two-person battle between Australian Kaylee McKeown and Canadian Kylie Masse, and those were the women at the top of the results after prelims. Masse was the lone athlete to go under 59 seconds, with her 58.93 leading the way. Meanwhile, McKeown was timed in 59.58, an easy effort for the reigning Olympic champ. Wales’ Medi Harris in the mix at 1:00.02.
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Men’s 400 Individual Medley
With only nine entries, minimal effort was needed to advance to the final. Grabbing the No. 1 seed for the final was New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt, a longtime presence on the global scene. Clareburt prevailed in his heat in 4:17.72. Australian Brendon Smith, the bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, went 4:18.32 for the second slot. Down in seventh, but the favorite for gold, was Scotland’s Duncan Scott at 4:20.92. Scott conserved energy and will chase a pair of titles at night, the 200 freestyle preceding the 400 medley.
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Men’s 400 Freestyle Relay
Fueled by Flynn Southam’s split of 47.89, Australia advanced to the final in Lane Four. The Aussies clocked in at 3:15.84 and will bring the likes of Kyle Chalmers into the equation in the evening. England was next in the morning at 3:16.93 and will see Tom Dean called for duty in the final.
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