Peaty welcomes Gold Coast reality check after 50 metres breaststroke defeat
He is beaten into silver by South African Cameron van der Burgh, just as he was in Glasgow four years ago.
An unfamiliar defeat provided a welcome reality check for England’s Adam Peaty on Monday as the Commonwealth Games 50 metres breaststroke title again proved elusive.
The 23-year-old Uttoxeter ace is world record holder and world champion on the one-length dash, but, like at Glasgow 2014, he was beaten into silver by South Africa’s Cameron van der Burgh.
Peaty trailed from the start, as has become normal, but his trademark surge did not materialise as he touched the wall 0.04 seconds behind Van der Burgh, the 29-year-old winning in 26.58.
England’s James Wilby, the 200m champion and 100m silver medallist, won his third individual breaststroke medal, with bronze in 27.37.
“Even though it’s a silver, I’m more happy with that silver than I was the gold the other day,” Peaty said.
“It gives me a reality check. Even if you are the best in the world, world record holder, you can still be beaten. I think that’s the most valuable lesson from today.
“Some people have down days and today was a down day for me. I was probably working at 90, 95 per cent. But to win races like that, when it comes down to a very fine margin, I need to be 100 per cent.
“As an athlete, obviously I’m disappointed. I’ve never had a 50m Commonwealth title. I’ve had the rest, but not this one.
“Away from the actual racing, I’m so happy for Cam. I gave my best out there tonight and Cam gave better. That’s just the way it is.”
Thomas was the fastest qualifier and lived up to that billing, finishing in 2:05.45, a Games record and almost two seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
At 27, Thomas is a relative late comer to the sport, but her belief never faltered.
“It’s very easy when you are younger if you’re not getting to where you want to be to just give up,” she said.
“But if you can carry on going, and there’s a niggle inside you saying ‘I can do this, I haven’t reached my potential’ – that’s what I’ve always had.
“I’m where I wanted to be when I was younger, it just takes time. I’m 27 and this is my first international medal. It means more to me than some people who pick up a lot of medals.
“I’ve done a world-class time now. There’s no point finishing when I’ve just started so there’s more to come.”
Earlier, Ben Proud, who was disqualified in the 50m butterfly, claimed a second Games record and British record in a day in qualifying for Tuesday’s men’s 50m freestyle final in 21.30.
