No repeaty

Adam denied third gold medal to clinch silver in pool

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

GRACIOUS Adam Peaty missed out on a third consecutive Olympic gold medal by 0.02 seconds, then went to congratulate the man who took his title.

In a thrilling 100m breaststroke final, the 29-year-old was pipped by the tightest margin by Italian Nicolo Martinenghi, after it looked like he was about to make history with a third consecutive Olympic gold.

He went to Paris having overcome mental health struggles, following social media criticism before races, and clashes with his coach.

And after last night's final, in which he finished in 59.05 secs, an emotional Peaty said: "I'm not crying because how much it took to get here.

"These are happy tears because I said to myself I'd give it my absolute best every single day, and I have. You can't be upset about that.

"It doesn't matter what time it says on the scoreboard, I think in my heart I have already won." The churchgoer also said he had taken strength from his religion, adding: "I couldn't have done more.