Tokyo 2020: Adam Peaty says strong ‘belief’ saw mixed medley team set new world record and continue Team GB’s gold rush
ADAM PEATY reckons Team GB’s immense ‘belief’ was the catalyst for them setting a new world record in the mixed medley.
Team GB took gold this morning in the final of the inaugural mixed 4×100 medley at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
Kathleen Dawson, James Guy, Anna Hopkin and Peaty turned in tremendous individual swims to finish the race in three minutes and 37.58 seconds.
A delighted Peaty told the BBC: “One word has changed the whole British team – belief.
“We believe we can win, we believe we can get world records.
“If you have belief you can build everything around that and we showed that tonight.”
Having taken Team GB’s gold medal haul in the pool to four, he added: “Mel was just trying to keep me as calm as I can. I get a bit carried away especially when it’s for the team.
“That just proves that tomorrow is going to be another good race but right now it’s amazing to be a part of these amazing women and Jimmy.”
An elated Dawson said: “I was swimming my own race and it didn’t matter if it was against men or women.”
We believe we can win, we believe we can get world records
Adam Peaty
TOKYO OLYMPICS LIVE: All the latest from the Games with our live blog
WHAT’S ON TODAY? Best bits to watch at the Olympics and UK times for your favourite stars
The victory was a sweet one for Guy, who was forced to pull out of the 100m fly race.
He said: “Pulling out of the 100m fly – it really hurt me doing that.
“I probably could have medalled this morning with that split there but it paid off.
“Gold medal, world record – can’t beat that, especially with that team.”
Hopkin held her nerve in the final leg of the race to ensure Team GB took gold in the mixed event.
The 25-year-old said: “I was trying not to think about (American Caeleb Dressel chasing her down) it.
“I was trying not to think about how far ahead we were from them.
BETTING SPECIAL – CLAIM £180 IN FREE BETS FOR THE OLYMPICS
Most read in Tokyo 2020
“It’s just irrelevant when you’re in the water – you’ve just got to race.
“When I turned I saw I still had a good bit of water in front of me and I just went for it.
“It’s an amazing feeling and privilege to be in this team.”