Swimming star Adam Peaty has returned to winning ways in the pool at the Commonwealth Games, after securing gold for England in the 50m breaststroke. His victory proved to be the perfect response to his shock fourth place finish in the 100m final on Sunday.
The Commonwealth 50m breaststroke was the only major title evading the Englishman's CV, but an expert showing on home soil ensured he ended his wait for the victory. Peaty's race got off to the perfect start as he flew out the blocks to take an early lead.
Then throughout the race the 23-year-old used all of his experience to continue his momentum and hold on for the win and that treasured gold medal.
Peaty was accused of disrespecting the Games following his semi-final victory on Monday, after he commented: "It doesn't feel amazing, but it doesn't feel bad either. It'll probably be my last attempt tomorrow, but I'm not bothered about it.
"The Commonwealths to me, in the grand scheme of things...it's about two years time (the Olympics)." After being heavily criticised the three-time Olympic champion was quick to apologise, and any questions surrounding his care for the event were soon put to bed following the final.
The emotion was seen pouring out of Peaty after his victory was secured - crying out at the top of his voice, smashing his hands into the water before throwing his hat in celebration. Addressing this after his gold medal win, Peaty told the BBC: "I want to be accountable for that, it came across very wrong.
"I did address it and I am sorry for anyone who misunderstood that. [There was] a lot of emotions yesterday and yesterday I just turned up, but a lot of people need to understand it that sport is like this [imitating and up and down movement] and I reached the bottom of the bottom yesterday.
"To bring myself up with the crowd, to bring myself up with my own mind you know, that is the result [winning gold]." Peaty finished ahead of Australia's Sam Williamson who took silver, whilst Scotland's Ross Murdoch secured the bronze medal in third.
