Adam Peaty reaches semi-final of 100m breaststroke as he hunts for historic third consecutive Olympic gold

Adam Peaty breezed into the semi-finals of the men's 100 metres breaststroke as he got his bid for a historic third consecutive Olympic title under way.

The Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 champion,seeking to become just the second male swimmer after Michael Phelps to win Olympic gold at three successive Games,finished first in the fourth of five heats.

His time of 59.18 seconds was the second quickest time,only behind Dutch swimmer Caspar Corbeau,while James Wilby is also into the semis later on Saturday,finishing sixth overall in a time of 59.4 secs.

Peaty,who also won gold in the relay at Tokyo 2020,saw his eight-year unbeaten run ended at the 2022 Commonwealth Games,having recently come back from an injury. 

The Brit has since opened up on the 'self-destructive spiral' that followed and saw him take a break from the pool.

Peaty broke down as his mother expressed her pride in him ahead of the Paris Games

'It's been hard hasn't it,it's been really good,it's been amazing. But there's been times when it's just been really difficult and the only people in the world who knew what it's been like has been me and you.

'I hope you've felt protected,I hope you've felt supported and I hope you've felt like you've had a wing woman.'

'Mel bought me my first car to get to training,she's my best friend but also my second mum but also my coach,' Peaty said in response.