Adam Peaty: 'I haven’t felt this good since 2016' after winning GB's first gold at Tokyo

Peaty, 26, retains men's 100m breastroke Olympic title with emphatic swim at Tokyo Aquatics Centre

Adam Peaty wrote his name in the record books on Monday as he became the first British swimmer to retain an Olympic title with an emphatic victory in the final of the men’s 100 metres breaststroke at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Peaty, 26, stormed to Team GB’s first gold of Tokyo 2020 in a time of 57.37secs, with Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands 0.63s behind in second.

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Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi secured bronze in a time of 58.33s as Peaty’s compatriot James Wilby missed out on a podium position, finishing fifth in 58.96s.

There was an air of inevitability to Peaty’s victory as he recorded the fifth fastest time in history.

Not only is his personal best over this distance almost one second better than anyone else in the sport, but he continued a proud record of being undefeated in seven years in major competitions.

“I haven’t felt this good since 2016, it just means the world to me,” Peaty told the BBC.

“I didn’t have the best preparation of my life. But you throw that out the window.

“That’s really what it takes to be an athlete. It’s not who’s the best all year round, it’s who’s the best on the day.”

'Unmatchable' Peaty

Peaty's positivity was transferred to Twitter after the race, where he dedicated the win to his country, son and family.

OLYMPIC CHAMPION!

For my country, my son and my family.

For those who stayed up through the night to watch me.

For all those people who need a bit of light. You can get through this 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/LMauenRaFP

— Adam Peaty MBE (@adam_peaty) July 26, 2021

Team GB also lauded the "unbeatable" swimmer.

Olympic title: Defended 🥇 🥇

Unmatchable. Unbeatable. And the team's first gold medal of #Tokyo2020

— Team GB (@TeamGB) July 26, 2021

Although no one was more delighted by the result than Caroline Peaty, the swimmer's "beyond proud" mother.

So glad that’s over, blood pressure must be through the roof lol x Our house was so quiet, we couldn’t breath 😂😂 We are beyond proud @adam_peaty love u loads ❤️

— Caroline Peaty (@cazliz123) July 26, 2021

Updated: July 26, 2021, 7:51 AM