Adam Peaty Obliterates World Record, Wins First Olympic Gold Medal

2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES

After breaking his own world record of 57.92 in the prelims yesterday in 57.55Adam Peaty of Great Britain backed it up with the 2nd fastest swim ever of 57.62 in the semi-finals last night, but tonight he went one better. Swimming out of lane 4, Peaty dominated the field, clocking 57.13 for the gold and another unbelievable world record.

This is Peaty’s first Olympic Games, and he has started off with a bang posting the three fastest 100 breasts ever. He’s now 1-for-1 in Olympic finals, and will look to the 400 medley relay on the final day of competition for his second shot at a medal.

Peaty is now 1.33 seconds faster than the second fastest performer ever – Cameron van der Burgh, who was 58.46 four years ago to win gold.

van der Burgh won silver in 58.69, while American Cody Miller won bronze in 58.87, an American record.

Peaty also becomes the first male Brit to win a gold medal in Olympic swimming since 1988 in Seoul, where Adrian Moorhouse also won gold in the 100 breast.

Peaty is now the only swimmer to ever crack 58 seconds, and he’s done it four times. Here’s a look at the splits from those four swims:

  • 2015 British Championships: 27.04 (30.88), 57.92
  • 2016 Olympic Games: 26.69 (30.86), 57.55 (Prelim swim) 
  • 2016 Olympic Games: 26.71 (30.91), 57.62 (Semi-final swim)
  • 2016 Olympic Games: 26.61 (30.52), 57.13 WR

Also of note was Peaty’s proximity to the 50 breast world record, just 0.19 off his own mark of 26.42 set in Kazan last year.

In addition to all of his accolades, Peaty now owns the 7 fastest swims in history.

 

 

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Sam
8 years ago

Cody Miller’s behavior after the race was rude. He did a great swim and is an Olympic medalist but to carry on the way he did and to take away Peaty’s moment by screaming and splashing is not on. Had he become Olympic champion and world record break then yes by all means behave the way you want as it is your time in the spotlight. Peaty is class and very humble but to have someone carry on like that when you swim a race like that must be irritating.

Glen Osborne
8 years ago

Thanks for the detailed coverage

Do work
8 years ago

So the US establishment kid didn’t medal. So what! He didn’t go fast enough. Miller did. It’s refreshing to see the one that was passed over in many situations over the last couple years to favor the chosen one, won (a medal). It is now Miller’s medley!! USAS needs to stop with the favoritism. As illustrated here, they look the fool.

Stay Human
Reply to  Do work
8 years ago

How was Cordes considered establishment relative to Miller?

weirdo
Reply to  Stay Human
8 years ago

I think he is talking Pan Pacs. Also don’t think they are dolphining more than once. I watch underwater video and don’t see it. I love Miller’s enthusiasm in winning a bronze….so refreshing. And PEATY IS FREAKING AMAZING!

Cyrus
8 years ago

One thing I’ve noticed, van Der burg’s apparently changed his style, between this meet and the world champs in 2015. Hands don’t come out of the water completely and comes out of the water more with his head and torso. Race strategy also looks more controlled. Anyone else noticed this?

A non-e mouse
8 years ago

This is the most absurd swim of all time. 2.3% faster than next best performer… Better than Ledecky’s 8 free (for now)

Breastroke beststroke
8 years ago

Cody Miller and most of the field (not peaty) are clearly doing multiple dolphin kicks. This is evident not only by the underwater video, but also by the fact that peaty is killing Miller off the start then Miller miraculously catches him with his pull out. How can we stop this, it’s unfair and undermines the whole field. Also imagine how fast peaty would be if he did the dolphin kicks.

Kordez
Reply to  Breastroke beststroke
8 years ago

He doesnt need dolphin kicks to go under 57. I bet he could be low 56 or high 55 next time around.

Dawgpaddle
Reply to  Breastroke beststroke
8 years ago

A question about the rules; Can a breastroke swimmer go past the 15 mtr mark off the start?

A non-e mouse
Reply to  Dawgpaddle
8 years ago

Yes

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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