James Guy claimed Britain’s first medal of the night, bronze in the Men’s 200m Freestyle, in front a packed London Aquatics Centre on day three of the LEN European Aquatics Championships.
“To medal whilst still in training is a great feeling and shows it’s looking good for the summer. I’m feeling strong,” said Guy who took the medal with a time of 1:46.42.
“We’ve got to thank UK Sport for bringing the Championships to Britain, it’s great to have such a big swimming event on home soil before we go to Rio and amazing to have it in this pool.
“The crowd has been amazing so thanks to everyone for coming out to support the team.”
Silver went to Velimir Stjepanovic of Serbia (1:46.26) and the gold went to Sebastiaan Verschuren of the Netherlands (1:46.02).
Chloe Tutton, who is making her senior international debut for Great Britain, secured bronze in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke to win GBR’s second medal of the night in a personal best time of 1:07.50.
Tutton said: “It’s been tough for me continuing to train through while competing but it’s great to achieve that and I certainly didn’t expect to get a best time today so I’m very happy indeed.
“I’m always aiming to do better every time I compete. I’m looking forward to my main event later this week and hopefully I can deliver another best time.”
The silver went to Hranfnhildu Luthersdottir of Iceland (1:06.45) and the gold went to Ruta Meilutyte of the Lithuania (1:06.17).
Ross Murdoch delivered a strong semi-final swim to book his place in the final of Men’s 200m Breaststroke tomorrow. A determined Murdoch took the touch in the second semi-final to qualify fastest ahead of the Germany’s Maro Koch who is looking to defend his 2014 European title.
After the race Murdoch said: “I’m in the shape of my life coming into this meet, I’ve had a few demons on my back but I’m here to swim fast. I’ve had the best block of training that I’ve ever had and that’s well and truly put those demons to bed for me.
“I’m absolutely delighted with that swim and looking forward to getting back in the training pool and preparing for Rio after the final.”
The Brits claimed two final berths as Siobhan-Marie O’Connor and Hannah Miley qualified second and third fastest respectively for the Women’s 200m Individual Medley.
O’connor went up against the European Champion Katinka Hosszu of Hungary and touched second.
Following the race O’connor said: “I’m really happy with that, the time was similar to where I was at the British Champs but definitely looking to go a bit quicker in the final tomorrow.
“It’s amazing to have the LEN European Aquatics Championships come to London. To have the opportunity to come here and race against the likes of Katinka [Hosszu] is perfect for my preparation ahead of Rio. We’re training hard and training through but the team are still delivering some great performances.”
Miley finished first in the opening semi-final to ensure a chance to race again tomorrow.
“I’m happy I’ve got speed so I’ll certainly take that. It’s an event I use to build my experience and confidence in the water to get a time like that in the middle of training is really good for me.”
In the Women’s 100m Backstroke Britain secured two more final spots when Georgia Davies and Kathleen Dawson finished second in their respective semi-finals.
Dawson, also making her senior international debut, broke her personal best time for the second time of the day posting a time of 59.93. She said: “It was great to break my pb in the heats and again tonight, I came into this hoping to break the minute mark and I’m super glad that I have. The crowd definitely helps, it really gets you pumped up and helps you focus for the race that’s ahead of you.
“I’m so happy to be here, it’s my first time on a senior team and I’m loving the experience.”
For full results from day three finals and the championships so far click here: http://london2016.microplustiming.com/Elite/indexLondonElite2016_web.php?sport=Swimming
Tickets for the LEN European Aquatics Championships are still available both on the door and via http://www.theticketfactory.com/euroaquatics/online - come and support the British team in London.