Proud won his first Olympic medal with silver in the men’s 50m freestyle at Paris 2024
England’s Ben Proud beat compatriot Jacob Mills to claim the men’s 50m freestyle title at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships.
Mills, 17, had qualified fastest for the one-length sprint final in 21.96 seconds but Olympic silver medallist Proud raised his game to defend his title in London.
Proud won the final in 21.67s, with Mills second in 21.99 and Alexander Painter third in 22.01.
“I’m really pleased with that,” said Proud. “I got everything I wanted.
“Swimming under pressure and it’s not often it comes from a 17-year-old.”
Mills said racing Proud had been an “honour” but a “few things went wrong” for him and gave him “some things to work on”.
Abbie Wood won the women’s 200m individual medley title by beating Katie Shanahan.
Wood claimed victory in a personal best of two minutes, 08.85secs as Shanahan finished second in 2:09.88 and Leah Schlosshan third in 2:13.14.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” said Wood. “With the girls pushing me all the way, it was a really good race.”
Olympians to battle for titles at GB Championships