Tokyo Olympics: Tom Dean wins gold and teammate Duncan Scott claims silver in 200m freestyle

Tom Dean produced the performance of his life in the final of the men’s 200 metres freestyle, clocking a national record time of one minute and 44.22 seconds
By Carly Roberts
27th Jul 2021, 6:42am
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tom Dean stormed to victory in the men’s 200 metres freestyle and Great Britain were left to celebrate a famous one-two after Duncan Scott collected silver at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Dean was third heading into the final 50 metres while Scott was down in sixth at the halfway stage, but the pair finished strongly.

Read More
Covid: Boris Johnson warns 'we're not out of the woods yet' despite drop in dail...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We want to hear from you: let us know what you think about this story and be part of the debate in our comments section below

At a glance: 5 key facts

- Dean finished in a time of one minute and 44.22 seconds

- He was just fingertips ahead of his British compatriot by 0.04secs

Great Britain's Tom Dean (right) with his gold medal after winning the Men's 200m Freestyle Final alongside Great Britain's Duncan Scott with his silver medal at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre on the fourth day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan (PA)Great Britain's Tom Dean (right) with his gold medal after winning the Men's 200m Freestyle Final alongside Great Britain's Duncan Scott with his silver medal at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre on the fourth day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan (PA)
Great Britain's Tom Dean (right) with his gold medal after winning the Men's 200m Freestyle Final alongside Great Britain's Duncan Scott with his silver medal at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre on the fourth day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan (PA)

- Brazil’s Fernando Scheffer claimed bronze a further 0.4s back.

- Dean managed to still claim the championship - after contracting Covid twice in September and January and taking six weeks out of the pool

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

- Great Britain sits in fifth place in the leadership table – with four gold, five silver and one bronze medal following efforts from Tom Daley, Matty Lee, Tom Pidcock and Adam Peaty.

What’s been said?

Great Britain's Tom Dean waves the Union flag after celebrating becoming a champion of the pool (PA)Great Britain's Tom Dean waves the Union flag after celebrating becoming a champion of the pool (PA)
Great Britain's Tom Dean waves the Union flag after celebrating becoming a champion of the pool (PA)

“I knew it was going to be a dogfight. I didn’t know how people were going to swim it.

“I just want to say thanks to everyone back home. I’m just lost for words. It’s amazing.”

Dean told the BBC

“A massive credit to Dean. That was unbelievable. Olympic champion. He’s come along so far in the last 18 months, it’s a pleasure to watch.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s great to be able to say he’s a good mate out of the pool and it’s great to be able to compete against him as well.”

Scott added

Background

Scott, a bronze medallist over the distance at the 2019 World Championship, was heavily fancied coming into this showpiece after setting the quickest qualifying time in Monday’s semi-finals, with Dean fourth fastest.

But Dean was into his stride almost immediately from lane six and after pipping his GB team-mate, he raised both hands and stared at the screen confirming his win almost in a state of disbelief.

This result marks the first time two British male swimmers have shared an Olympic podium since London 1908.

Related topics:Duncan ScottGreat BritainTom DaleyTom Pidcock