British swimmer James Guy gave a tearful interview with European Aquatics’ in-house reporter Nick Hope last week at the World Short Course Swimming Championships after winning silver in the 200 free in 1:41.12.
That time put him .11 seconds behind countrymate Matt Richards and just .03 seconds ahead of Lithuania’s Danas Rapsys.
It was an emotional release for Guy, who hadn’t won an individual medal at a major international championship in any race since 2020 and in his favorite 200 free since taking bronze at the 2016 European Long Course Championships.
While the drought individually has been long (especially owed to a crowded British field in this race – they went 1-2 at the Tokyo Olympics), he has attained legendary status in that time as a British relay contributor, including a 1:44.40 on the gold medal winning 800 free relay at the Olympics in 2021.
“To get a medal on the podium individually is amazing. Been a long time (since) it’s happened,” Guy said.
“Things happen in life sometimes, you just don’t give up. Swimming’s a real journey, there’s ups and downs, and I’ve had more downs than ups, but it’s definitely up. Keep going and the times will come and the PBs will come.”
That time for Guy was his best by .99 seconds, clearing a time done at he 2019 edition of the European Championships.
Race Video:
CE (25M) – 🏊♂️ 200M NAGE LIBRE
🥇 Matthew Richards 🇬🇧 1:41.01
🥈 James Guy 🇬🇧 1:41.12
🥉 Danas Rapsys 🇱🇹 1:41.15
4. David Popovici 🇷🇴 1:42.52
5. Roman Fuchs 🇫🇷 1:42.55 #LENOtopeni2023 #Natation pic.twitter.com/pDbePrcehk— MR.CARTER (@NelsonCarterJr) December 9, 2023
He is an inspiration
He was in a lot of finals, but seemed to get passed or left behind in the last 50 or 100.
His events are very competitive. The 200 free seems to have a different podium every time.
He’s a veteran now. But still giving Team GB some great relay splits.
Great Britain men have so many good 200 freestylers. I guess that’s their thing, like USA and the backstroke.
Looks good on you James Guy! It’s all true. Keep pushing for best times and the winning will eventually come. Best of luck for 2024!
If somehow the Brit’s had guy, Richards, dean, and Scott all firing at the same time they could potentially break the WR by 3 seconds 4 if really pushing it
Yeah that’s a ridonkulous relay if it hits.
Love this.
I love the fire and passion of James Guy, and so happy for this medal!
It’s also wild how we each process our own reality. James says he’s had more downs than ups. He was born with the genetics and natural talent and ability to be the top 0.0001% in the world. He is healthy. He has had the financial privilege and ability to pour his time and efforts into a sport he loves. He lives in a nation that has the wealth and stability to field a consistent and competitive national team.
I’d say he has had more ups than downs in his life. But I also recognize that privilege doesn’t mean battles and challenges go away – and… Read more »
So true.
Clearly something has changed with the move to Millfield, drops over a 1 second his 200 free and his pb in the fly.
Who is going to leave the bath Center next?
I worry about his mental health, always seems to be crying at every major meet.
Cried twice
When he won olympic gold
When he meddled individually for the first time in 7 years, think its valid👍
Crying is a sign of mental health issues? Hmm🤔
There is more than 1 type of tears, tears of joy as well as tears of pain. I shed tears of joy just watching the joy that some of these athletes get from their racing, partly cause I know what they have been through to get the result, so I totally get and respect tears of joy from the athlete themselves.
Tell us you’ve never competed in sports at a high level for a living for a long period of time without telling us….
He’s often affectionately referred to as James Cry- we love his emotion – and his prowess.
fellas, is it mentally ill to show emotion?