A former Marlow school student has won a gold medal at this year’s Olympics in Tokyo.
Swimmer Tom Dean, who studied at the Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in the town but is originally from Maidenhead, stormed to victory in the men’s 200 metres freestyle.
This meant Team GB were left to celebrate a famous one-two after Duncan Scott collected silver at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
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Dean finished in a time of one minute and 44.22 seconds, edging out his British compatriot by 0.04secs, with Brazil’s Fernando Scheffer claiming bronze a further 0.4s back.
😘😘😘😘😘👊🏻🥇🥇🥇🥇Incredible!
— Borlase PE & Sport (@BorlaseSport) July 27, 2021
Scott, a bronze medallist over the distance at the 2019 World Championship, was heavily fancied coming into this showpiece after setting the quickest qualifying time in Monday’s semi-finals, with Dean fourth fastest.
.@tomdean00 - Olympic 200m freestyle champion!!#TeamGB pic.twitter.com/fh3jq68pr2
— Team GB (@TeamGB) July 27, 2021
But Dean was into his stride almost immediately from lane six and after pipping his GB team-mate, he raised both hands and stared at the screen confirming his win almost in a state of disbelief.
Olympic Gold for Tom at Tokyo! Everyone at Borlase is so proud of you, @tomdean00 Congratulations! @britishswimming #Gold https://t.co/6B1a6AoPhV
— Sir William Borlase's Grammar School (@Borlase) July 27, 2021
This result marks the first time two British male swimmers have shared an Olympic podium since London 1908.
Dean told the BBC: “I knew it was going to be a dogfight. I didn’t know how people were going to swim it.
Well done to ex @Borlase pupil @tomdean00 on his gold medal🥇for @TeamGB #Tokyo2021 https://t.co/wPmRa9DLfR
— Buckinghamshire Council (@BucksCouncil) July 27, 2021
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“I just want to say thanks to everyone back home. I’m just lost for words. It’s amazing.”
Scott added: “A massive credit to Dean. That was unbelievable. Olympic champion. He’s come along so far in the last 18 months, it’s a pleasure to watch.
Yay! Tom Dean a fellow former @Borlase pupil, but he has an Olympic gold and I don’t. Amazing stuff, congratulations @tomdean00. X
— Kate Edwards (@EdwardsKatie) July 27, 2021
“It’s great to be able to say he’s a good mate out of the pool and it’s great to be able to compete against him as well.”
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