Commanding Victory for Team GB
Great Britain Clinches Gold: Great Britain commandingly retained their Olympic 4x200m freestyle relay title, securing the team’s first swimming gold in Paris.
Redemption for Peaty and Richards
After Adam Peaty and Matt Richards narrowly missed gold with silvers, the same quartet that won in Tokyo – Richards, James Guy, Tom Dean, and Duncan Scott – reunited for victory at La Defense Arena.
Scott’s Heroic Final Leg
With a slender lead going into the final leg, Duncan Scott, who had a disappointing fourth-place finish in the individual event 24 hours earlier, brought the team home with a comfortable 1.35 seconds lead.
A Momentous Day for Team GB
As Scott completed the final length, fellow Scot Andy Murray extended his tennis career with another doubles victory, marking a special day for Team GB in Paris.
Celebrations with Family and Friends
The medal ceremony allowed the Britons to celebrate with their families in the stands, a moment they missed during the 2021 Games impacted by COVID-19. “It feels different for so many reasons, but mostly because my family and friends are in the crowd,” said Dean. “That is the most special thing.”
Historic Relay Win
The victory marked the first time a British relay quartet has retained an Olympic title in swimming or athletics. This win brought Team GB their fourth gold medal in the Games, increasing their medal total to 12.
Contributions from Bird and McMillanKieran Bird, who represents Wales, and Jack McMillan, from Northern Ireland, will also receive medals for participating in the morning heats.
Britain’s Freestyle Dominance
Individual Achievement
The winning quartet has all achieved world or Olympic gold in the individual 200m freestyle. Despite being fierce rivals for solo places, they remain great friends and will gather again when Richards marries fellow GB swimmer Emily Large next month.
Rested for the Final
Richards and Scott, with grueling schedules, were rested for the heats but returned for the final two legs. Guy gave the team a strong start, building a lead over American Luke Hobson, who won bronze in the individual event.
High Stakes and High Energy
With the USA and France in the race, noise levels soared. Dean, the 2021 200m individual champion, briefly lost the lead but regained strength in his final length. Richards then extended the lead, handing Scott the advantage.
Sealing the Victory
Scott’s performance ensured victory, with the USA finishing second and Australia taking bronze. “There are so many great individuals on that team, but when we come together, it is so special,” Scott said.
Olympic Medal Tallies
Scott now has seven Olympic medals, including two gold medals, placing him behind only former cyclists Sir Jason Kenny and Sir Bradley Wiggins in total British Olympic medals. Dean now boasts three Olympic golds, while Guy, ever-reliable in relays, has three golds and three silvers.
Historic Win for Wiffen
Earlier, Daniel Wiffen became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal in 36 years with victory in the 800m freestyle for Team Ireland.
Marchand’s Pursuit of Gold
Home favorite Leon Marchand qualified for the 200m breaststroke and 200m butterfly finals, aiming to add to his 400m medley gold. Both finals promise an epic session of swimming on Wednesday evening.
McKeown’s Backstroke Triumph
Australia’s Kaylee McKeown retained her 100m backstroke title, edging American Regan Smith in one of the most anticipated races. Smith, who had broken McKeown’s world record this year, was defeated by 0.33 seconds as McKeown powered down the second length to victory.
