Proud takes another, Meilutyte breaks through at third British Gas International finals session

Friday morning brought the third finals session of the British Gas International Meet, with sprinter Ben Proud picking up another runaway win and Lithuanian breaststroker Ruta Meilutyte breaking through for her first win of the week in the 100 breast.

Proud paced the 50 fly after winning the 50 free Thursday. His time of 23.63 is just two tenths off his season-best, and won by well over half a second.

Meanwhile Meilutyte, who competes for Lithuania but lives and trains in Great Britain, got her first win of the meet with a big 100 breast effort. The current leader in our world ranks in the event went 1:07.58, still well off her season-best, but plenty enough to win the race over Leeds’ Sophie Taylor.

The male breaststrokers competed in the 200 distance, with 200 specialist Michael Jamieson topping the list. His 2:11.89 took the win from Adam Peaty, who had swept the breaststroke races up to this point on the week. Peaty was 2:12.00 for second, with Ross Murdoch third at 2:12.17 in what’s becoming a very strong event for the Brits.

Another tough field took the pool for the next final, the men’s 200 free. It was 19-year-old James Guy who triumphed, going 1:48.59 to top Scottish Robbie Renwick (1:49.42) and 400/1500 winner Stephen Milne (1:49.54).

Jemma Lowe went 2:10.89 to run away with the women’s 200 fly for Bath University, and another strong women’s swim came from Amy Smith in the 50 free. Smith went 25.30 to top Meilutyte in her other race on the day.

Chris Walker-Hebborn made his first appearance atop the results on day 3 as well, winning the 100 back in 54.36.

The meet continues with the final prelims session Friday night and the corresponding finals to close the meet Saturday morning. Live results can be found here.