European Swimming Championships in Berlin – Day 7

Adam Peaty was unveiled as an Arena face less than a week ago. By the end of the meet, the 19-year-old Briton had won four gold medals and set two new world records.

While Florent Manaudou also claimed four titles, there were no world records so it could be argued Peaty is the male swimmer of the meet.

He is certainly Arena’s king of the pool.

There were a number of female multi-medallists among Arena’s number, notably Katinka Hosszu – the Iron Lady with six visits to the podium – and Fran Halsall, the irrepressible Briton who won five, including three golds.

However, despite their achievements and constant trips to the rostrum, the crown of queen of the pool must go to Sarah Sjostrom, the Swede who won seven medals, three of them gold.

Back to Peaty. The man of the meet-y.

As a little boy, Adam refused to go near the bath or the shower and he loathed the pool.

He overcame his fears and three weeks in summer 2014 have seen him claim two Commonwealth golds and a silver followed by four golds and two world records in Berlin.

Affable and grounded, he pays tribute to his coach Mel Marshall, former world, European and Commonwealth medallist.

“I was kind of a naughty teenager, I didn’t really want to do anything but she completely changed me.

“She taught me how to work hard and taught me how to work smart, taught me how to race.

“She always said I am born for the arena but I don’t know what that means yet.

“I just go out there and give my best.”

For Sarah, it is a fourth consecutive Europeans where she has made a trip to the podium, the first time as a 14-year-old in 2008.

However, she was still a bit rueful about not having won more gold.

She said: “I knew I had a chance to take seven medals but I am disappointed with some of my swims because I know I can do much better.

“I think I need to put more effort into the 100 fly which was lazy in the first 50 and the 50 freestyle I was too tired to do a fast race.
“I am very happy with all the relay medals.

“I think I am going to be more happy about the competition tomorrow.”