Duncan Scott set a new British record of 1:55.90 in the 200IM at the British Swimming Selection Trials at the London Aquatics Centre.
Scott took 0.74 off the previous national mark of 1:56.64 set by Max Litchfield at the 2017 World Championships with a thunderous final 50 of 27.84.
It was a time that would have won gold at the 2019 World Championships and silver at Rio 2016.
It also elevated him to third European all-time behind only Laszlo Cseh who went 1:55.18 at the 2009 worlds and Philip Heintz who clocked 1:55.76 at the 2017 German nationals.
The two-time Olympic silver relay medallist went top of the world rankings to book a slot in the shorter medley in Tokyo where he will be joined by Joe Litchfield who clocked 1:57.74 ahead of elder brother Max (1:58.43).
Splits: 25.38/54.39/1:28.06/1:55.90
Scott had already been pre-selected to Team GB with Adam Peaty, Luke Greenbank and James Wilby and his performance on Wednesday all but cemented a slot in the 200IM.
Photo Courtesy: MIKE LEWIS / ISL
The University of Stirling swimmer said:
“It’s been a while since a long-course tapered meet, that was World Championships in 2019, so I’m just grateful to be here. I’m delighted with that swim, it’s a big PB and it’s great to move things on too.
“Balancing the events I do, I’ve got to put that down to my coaches, Brad Hay and Steve Tigg, the way they are able to balance the sessions and the way they prioritise different things throughout the week.
“There’s been a lot of work on the breaststroke, I don’t know if it paid off, but I enjoy doing the medley stuff, it’s good fun.
“It’s happy days for me now, I’ve got a day off tomorrow, that’s doesn’t happen often – so it’s a lie-in!”
Advertising: Shop At Swim360