Peaty unaffected by European Championship pressure
BySportsbeat
Published 07/08/2018 at 21:25 GMT
PERFORMING under pressure is the hallmark of a champion and Adam Peaty insists it's what makes him tick as he goes in search of a third European gold tonight.
Eurosport
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PERFORMING under pressure is the hallmark of a champion and Adam Peaty insists it's what makes him tick as he goes in search of a third European gold tonight.
The Uttoxeter swimmer is the heavy favourite to retain his 50m breaststroke title in Glasgow and complete the third leg of his quest to win four European golds for the third championships in a row.
On Saturday night, he set a new world record in the 100m before playing a key role in Great Britain's success in the 4x100m mixed medley relay.
And with the men's 4x100m medley relay still to come, it is looking like another perfect week for the 23-year-old – who eased through to tonight's 50m final with a new championships record to qualify fastest.
"It is all about the final now, the racer in me will come out and I like to feel the pressure," he said.
"I will put a little bit of pressure on myself and see how it goes. These times for me are very reassuring and I know I am back on track with what I am doing well in the race."
For a man unbeaten in four years over 100m, it is an exaggeration to say Peaty was in crisis at the Commonwealth Games – when he still came home with a gold and two silvers.
But he admits he got complacent due to his complete dominance over the last four years and has moved quickly to stamp that out this week.
Certainly no-one could catch him in the semi-finals, when he clocked 26.23s to finish almost a second clear of the field.
With his own world record, set a year ago at the world championships in Budapest, just 0.28s faster than his swim last night – there is every expectation that Glasgow could witness another piece of history.
"I did not go out there for a world record, I just grew off the crowd. It has been a very busy and emotional few days – especially going back-to-back in the pool," he said.
"I remember in Rio, it took me a few days to sleep so you do have a buzz but there is still a race to be won.
"I have to make sure I do not glide the last five metres tomorrow, that would be helpful, but I am in a good place.
"It is a bit weird for me, because I did not come into this competition thinking I would get anywhere near my times or world records.
"But it is happening and I am just letting it happen. So, now I think I will get a rest in the morning and have a good breakfast – and chill out."
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