Adam Peaty wins first gold for Team GB at Rio 2016 Olympic Games

The swimmer broke the world record

Published 8th Aug 2016

Adam Peaty has become Team GB's first medalist of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning gold in the 100m breaststroke gold.

The swimmer broke a second world record with a time of 57.13 seconds. He is the first British man to win gold in swimming since Adrian Moorhouse at Seoul 1988.

Adam Peaty | © Getty Images

The 21-year old finished more than a second and a half clear of the field with Cameron van der Burgh (RSA) who won silver and Cody Miller (USA) who won bronze.

Peaty said: “I can’t even put into words what that swim means to me. I was aware I was in front but not by that much. I touched the wall and looked to my left and thought ‘where is everybody?’.

“I thought the best possible race I could do would be get to 57.3 so to get 57.1 is something else. It’s absolutely incredible.

“The idea of making the team but not pushing the team forward was not really an option for me. Me and my coach Mel Marshall push forward every day.

“I’m not going to settle for just this. I’m going to push forward – I’m sure every gold medallist says this but me and Mel Marshall operate differently and we are always pursuing excellence and self-improvement. If we’re not doing that I don’t really see the point. It’ll be good to get back to Loughborough to get back to it and look for areas to improve.

“But for now I’m going to enjoy it and get the relay done and deliver another good performance for Team GB.

“It just proves you don’t have to have the best facilities around you. People think this is what it takes to become an Olympic gold medallist but what you really need to do is put 100% effort in. My parents have been there from the start and always push me forward.

“I look at those flags and seeing those colours means so much to me. We’ve done so much in this country and to represent the people at home is an absolute honour for me.

“That proves tonight that kids watching at home are in the same position I was four years ago watching others take the glory and win races. London was so much for me and really inspired me.”

Congratulations also go to Jazz Carlin, who won silver in the women's 400m freestyle swim.

See the highlights from the opening ceremony below: