Ben Proud completes eight-year legacy by winning back Commonwealth Gold

Plymouth swimmer Ben Proud said his Gold medal in the 50m Butterfly at the Commonwealth Games completed an eight-year legacy. The 27-year-old continued his stunning 2022 in Birmingham in setting a Games record in winning the title in 22.81 on Saturday night. Tzen Wei Teong of Singapore took the silver medal in 23.21. Cameron Gray of New Zealand winning the bronze in 23.27.

Proud won Gold in Glasgow in 2014 in the event, but he was unable to retain his crown when he was disqualified for a false start in the heats in the Gold Coast in 2018. But the Plymothian regained the title and added a fourth Commonwealth Gold to his tally, having also won the 50m Freestyle in 2014 and 2018. He was only the fourth man ever to regain a Commonwealth swimming title.

It continues his great year so far, having become the fastest man in water after winning World Championship gold in the 50m Freestyle in Budapest. And he chances to add more medals to his tally later in the programme.

"On paper it's just another gold medal but to me this is an eight-year legacy that I've just completed,” he said.

"I walked into this event eight years ago and walked away with a gold almost not knowing what I'd done. Four years later I got disqualified and felt like I was held back from retaining that title.

"So to be able to come back four years later, after a lengthy career, after some highs and lows and to take that gold back into my hands, that's something that I'm extremely grateful for.

“I've dedicated my life to swimming and the sport in a way that probably not that many people have. This is the achievement that I can take away and say that I've done for the rest of my life and be really happy with.

"I can't say I'll be here in four years to retain that