British Lynchpin James Guy Looking as Sharp as Ever
A little more than a decade ago, James Guy was a teenage upstart seeking a breakthrough showing on the international stage. The youngster first achieved global acclaim when he medaled at the 2014 editions of the Commonwealth Games and the World Short Course Championships. A year earlier, he finaled at the World Championships in Barcelona.
But it was at the 2015 World Championships where the Brit emerged as The Guy.
Racing in Kazan, Guy packaged two gold medals and a silver, and etched himself as one of his sport’s premier performers. His 200 freestyle effort of 1:45.14 was good for a then-British record and powered Guy to a triumph over China’s Sun Yang (1:45.20). More, he clocked a national mark of 3:43.75 in the 400 freestyle, which was good for the silver medal, and he anchored Great Britain to victory in the 800 freestyle relay with a closing split of 1:44.74.
This week, a 31-year-old Guy is racing at the British Championships at the London Aquatic Centre, and the veteran looks as sharp as ever. On the opening night of the meet, Guy comfortably won the 400 freestyle in 3:44.04, just .29 off his British record and the third-fastest time of his career. The 200 freestyle is slated for the end of the meet, and Guy is expected to challenge his best of 1:45.04.
Guy and breaststroke sensation Adam Peaty can be credited with leading the resurgence of British hopes in the pool. The tandem ensured the Union Jack was raised in arenas during awards ceremonies, and their talent was quickly complemented by the likes of Duncan Scott, Tom Dean and Matt Richards. In Guy, Great Britain located an athlete not just capable in the pool, but someone who set an example on the deck.
Through the years, Guy has continually been a spokesman of sorts for the British contingent, discussing the tight-knit nature of the National Team and fighting for clean sport. But he’s also maintained his status as an elite racer, one who defines resilience. While Guy has always been a key cog on Britain’s 800 freestyle relay, he has lost out on opportunities to race the 200 freestyle at a handful of global championships. He always remained focused.
Last year, Guy delivered a swim of 1:45.08 at the British Champs, a performance that earned him a berth in the 200 freestyle at the World Championships. In Singapore, Guy advanced to the final of the event, finishing seventh. It was a major step forward for Guy, who proved his finest days were not part of the past, similar to how Cam McEvoy has reinvented himself as the top sprinter in the world.
Now, Guy has added an exceptional 400 freestyle to the mix. Will he back it up with a stellar 200 freestyle in London? If nothing else, his confidence should be surging.