Brits were left breathless at Peaty's perfect performance as he became the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title and win Britain's first gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games. Peaty slapped the water in triumph after winning gold for a second successive Games, with a mix of relief and relish awash his face as he realised his victory.
The young swimming star won gold in the 100 m breaststroke final back at the 2016 Olympics and has enjoyed a lucrative career since. In addition to his gold in Rio five years ago, Peaty has won the 100 m breaststroke at the last three World Championships, broken the world record five times, and is the only man to have ever completed the distance in under 57 seconds.
Following his Tokyo win, Peaty will have the opportunity to add to his medal collection by competing in the men's 4 x 100 m medley relay and the mixed 4 x 100 m medley relay; heats for which should begin by the end of the week.
Proud Peaty dedicated the win to his country and loved ones, stating, "This victory wasn't mine; it was the British team's and my family and friends. I am just so relieved."
Across the pool in the diving disciplines, Team GB's Tom Daley and Matty Lee created ripples in the water, with Daley ending his Olympic gold medal drought in a nerve-wracking performance alongside Lee in men's synchronised 10 m platform. Both men wept in joy as Team China could not match their scores, ending China's 20-year grip on gold and gaining more gold for Team GB.
After 13 years at the elite Olympic level, Daley was able to dive into gold status, improving his bronze medals from the 2012 and 2016 games in his fourth attempt at the Olympics. Now, with a gold medal under his belt, the diving champion can add the award to his collection of European, World, and Commonwealth gold.
For Lee, who is competing in his Olympic debut, it marks the beginning of a budding career for the young diver, who has waited for this moment since watching Daley perform at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
There's a chance of a second gold medal for both men in the 10 m individual platform this weekend. Can Great Britain expect to gather more gold over the next few weeks? Regardless, Team GB has made an enormous splash in the competition so far, and we congratulate all athletes on their efforts.
Good luck to the rest of the athletes competing in the Olympic Games this summer! Although we cannot spectate at the Games, we can undoubtedly celebrate these superstar athletes and their hard work.
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