Fletcher ecstatic but misses out on semis
Julian Fletcher finished third in his heat of the 100 metres breaststroke at the Aquatics Stadium at the Barra Olympic Park today.
The 25-year-old, who was making his Olympic debut, finished heat one in a time of 1min 2.73sec behind winner Radomyos Matjiur, of Thailand, who was timed in 1:02.36, and Martin Melconian Alvez, of Uruguay, in 1:02.67.
Fletcher's time was more than two tenths of a second off his personal best of 1:02.47 and not quick enough to qualify for the semi-finals tonight.
The top 15 swimmers advanced to the next stage, with Fletcher finishing in 40th position out of 46, almost 3.50sec away from continuing in the event.
“Technique-wise, I did great and I was right where I wanted to be, and it felt like what I've been training for,” Fletcher said.
“It wasn't a best time for me and it's always unfortunate not to go a best time at a major competition.
“The fact I've now completed an Olympic race to make me an Olympian, well, that absolutely blows my mind. I couldn't be happier.”
Favourite Adam Peaty, of Britain, shattered his own world record of 57.92 after winning heat six in 57.55.

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