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After Super Saturday at London 2012, there was Magic Monday in Tokyo as British athletes won three gold medals in the space of a few hours.

Adam Peaty was Britain’s banker and did not disappoint, storming to victory in the 100 metres breaststroke to become the first British swimmer to retain an Olympic title.

The 26-year-old is unbeaten in seven years and now owns the 17 fastest times in history. He was as close to a sure thing as it is possible to get.

Adam Peaty comfortably took gold in the 100m breaststroke
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Adam Peaty comfortably took gold in the 100m breaststroke
Peaty will have a change to add to his medal haul, when he competes in the men's medley relay and potentially in the mixed relay
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Peaty will have a chance to add to his medal haul, when he competes in the men’s medley relay and potentially in the mixed relay

Peaty said: “It just means the world to me. I thought I had the best preparation but morning finals changed everything and threw that out of window.”

“I felt the pressure but I needed to put myself on edge. You can do whatever you want in your own pool but when it comes to being out here it’s not about a time.

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Adam Peaty’s parents ‘immensely proud’

“I was racing myself. It wasn’t about the time but the race.

“Thanks to the nation for being behind me for five years and my family and my beautiful boy.”

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Peaty’s success turned into a gold rush in the afternoon in the Japan when divers Tom Daley and Matty Lee claimed a stunning victory in the 10-metre synchronised platform event, before 21-year-old Tom Pidcock dominated the men’s mountain bike race.

Tom Daley and Matty Lee on their way to Olympic gold
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Tom Daley and Matty Lee on their way to Olympic gold
Thomas Daley and Matty Lee of Britain react after winning gold medals during the men's synchronized 10m platform diving final at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)
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The pair got emotional on the medals podium. Pic: AP

Daley made his Olympic debut back in 2008 aged only 14 and has been in the spotlight ever since, enduring the death of his father and biggest supporter Rob when still a teenager and then coming out in 2013.

He had two bronze medals to his name from London and Rio but, at the age of 27, has finally won the gold he coveted alongside debutant Lee, with the pair producing a stunning final dive to defeat the Chinese favourites.

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‘Proud’ parents of a gold medal diver

“It’s kind of unbelievable. I’ve dreamt, as has Matty, since I started diving 20 years ago for this moment of becoming an Olympic champion,” said Daley.

“To take it to my fourth Olympic Games when I think a lot of people would have not considered it to be my peak Olympic Games, I thought I was going to win an Olympic gold medal in Rio and that turned out the complete opposite by a long shot.

“It was my husband [Dustin Lance Black] who said to me my story wasn’t finished and that my son or child, we didn’t know at the time, needed to be there to watch me win an Olympic gold medal.”

Lee said: “In 2018 I moved my whole life to London from Leeds, I had nothing really in London.

“Our aim was to get an Olympic medal and for it to go the way we wanted it to is awesome.

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‘Proud to be a gay man and Olympic champion’

“I owe a lot to Tom because he has taught me a lot.”

Lee’s parents, Helen and Tim Lee, who could not travel to Tokyo due to COVID restrictions, invited friends and family over to watch him clinch gold with Daley.

They told Sky News that they had spoken to their son and that “he seemed like his normal self” and showed off his medal.

Pidcock is also an Olympic champion at the age of just 21 after a fearless display in Izu.

He started on the fourth row of the race but quickly got himself into the leading group and powered his way past the Swiss pair of Mathias Flueckiger and Nino Schurter to take control on the fourth of seven laps.

Tom Pidcock in action in Tokyo
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Tom Pidcock in action in Tokyo
Tom Pidcock celebrates gold in Tokyo
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His victory comes less than two months after he suffered a broken collarbone in a training crash

Flueckiger was the only man who could even remotely keep up, as Pidcock won by 20 seconds, even having time to snatch a Union Flag and hold it aloft as he crossed the line.

When asked how it felt to win gold, Pidcock told Eurosport: “Not real really. It’s pretty crazy that I became an Olympian and I was trying to tell myself at the start of the race it’s special just to be here.”

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His victory comes less than two months after he suffered a broken collarbone in a training crash on the road.

Meanwhile, Alex Yee also earned a silver medal in the triathlon.

The 22-year-old from Lewisham, south London, moved into the lead during the run but could not prevent Norway’s Kristian Blummenfelt from taking gold.

And there was heartbreak for Lauren Williams who narrowly missed out on gold in the 67kg taekwondo final.

Williams led by three points with 10 seconds to go but a late rally from Croatia’s Matea Jelic forced the Briton to settle for silver.

Disappointed, she said: “It’s not enough. I came here for a gold medal. I went out there to win and I tried my best. I’m very happy with how I performed and it’s just a shame about the end. I suppose an Olympic silver medal is not bad, is it?

“I want to say a massive thank you to the National Lottery for getting me out here and everyone at home.”

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This Morning: Key extracts from ITV chief executive’s letter to culture secretary on Phillip Schofield departure

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This Morning: Key extracts from ITV chief executive's letter to culture secretary on Phillip Schofield departure

ITV has asked a barrister to carry out an external review of Phillip Schofield’s departure from This Morning.

The development was announced by the broadcaster’s chief executive, Dame Carolyn McCall, in a letter to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, chair of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage, and the Ofcom chief executive, Dame Melanie Dawes.

Here are key extracts:

“You will have seen the significant media coverage concerning Phillip Schofield.

“As you would expect we take the matter extremely seriously and have reviewed our own records over the weekend.

“These show that when rumours of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and an employee of ITV first began to circulate in late 2019/early 2020 ITV investigated.

“Both parties were questioned then and both categorically and repeatedly denied the rumours, as did Phillip’s then agency, YMU.

“In addition, ITV spoke to a number of people who worked on the This Morning and wider Daytime team and were not provided with, and did not find any evidence of, a relationship beyond hearsay and rumour.

“Given the ongoing rumours, we continued to ask questions of both parties, who both continued to deny the rumours, including as recently as this month.”

Read more:
Phillip Schofield dropped as ambassador for The Prince’s Trust
Eamonn Holmes claims there was ‘total cover-up’ over Schofield’s affair
A timeline of the This Morning controversy

The letter goes on to say ITV offered “support” to the man who Phillip Schofield said he had an affair with.

“As you would imagine, given the social media scrutiny of him, we have offered him our support throughout this period and indeed are still doing so.

“The employee has made it clear that he does not wish to be named or identified in connection with this matter.

“We would be grateful if you would be mindful of this.

“The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust.

“Phillip made assurances to us and his agency which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down.

“We consider our approach was reasonable and proportionate at the time and in the circumstances.

“We believe that we did not have any grounds to mount any other sort of investigation.”

Dr Ranj with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning in 2020 Pic: ITV/Shutterstock
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Dr Ranj Singh with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning in 2020 Pic: ITV/Shutterstock

The letter also refers to wider claims about This Morning, including allegations of a “toxic culture” by Dr Ranj Singh, a former presenter on the show, saying: “We were sorry to read his statement.

“We are fully committed to providing every opportunity for anyone who works with us to raise any concern or comments they may have.

“Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed an external and independent adviser to carry out a review.

“This external review found no evidence of bullying or discrimination.

“I want to reassure you that as a producer and broadcaster, ITV takes its responsibilities around duty of care and speaking up seriously and has robust and well-established processes in place which allow anyone who works with us to raise concerns they may have anonymously.

“The confidential reporting number and other ways of raising concerns are promoted via a number of channels, which includes ITV’s internal staff website, across ITV buildings and how to speak up is part of ITV’s code of ethics and conduct annual mandatory training for all staff.

“We have now instructed Jane Mulcahy KC (Blackstone Chambers) to carry out an external review to establish the facts.

“She will review our records and talk to people involved.

“This work will also consider our relevant processes and policies and whether we need to change or strengthen any.

“Given Phillip’s admission of the extent of his deception the work will extend to cover any related issues that may emerge.

“This work will be carried out as quickly as possible and we will be happy to share the outcome.”

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ITV announces external review over Phillip Schofield’s departure from This Morning

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ITV announces external review over Phillip Schofield's departure from This Morning

ITV has instructed a barrister to carry out an external review of the facts following Phillip Schofield’s statement and departure from This Morning, chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall has said.

In a letter seen by the PA news agency, ITV’s Dame McCall said: “You will have seen the significant media coverage concerning Phillip Schofield.

“As you would expect we take the matter extremely seriously and have reviewed our own records over the weekend.

“Given the ongoing rumours, we continued to ask questions of both parties, who both continued to deny the rumours, including as recently as this month.

Phillip Schofield: Timeline of ITV departure after colleague affair

“There has been a lot of inaccuracy in the reporting so I thought it would be useful to set out some facts.”

The letter was sent to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, DCMS Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage and Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes.

More on Phillip Schofield

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Phillip Schofield: ITV reacts

Schofield has said he had an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a younger colleague.

The letter says ITV have offered him support “throughout this period” and are still doing so.

Schofield resigned from the broadcaster on Friday after admitting both to the affair and lying about it. He was also dropped by his talent agency, YMU.

Read more:
Key extracts from ITV’s letter to culture sec on Schofield departure
Phillip Schofield dropped as ambassador for The Prince’s Trust
Eamonn Holmes claims there was ‘total cover-up’ over Schofield’s affair

The relationship took place while the 61-year-old was still married to Stephanie Lowe, and before he publicly came out as gay.

The letter goes on to say that ITV has instructed Jane Mulcahy KC, of Blackstone Chambers, to “carry out an external review to establish the facts.”

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield

“She will review our records and talk to people involved. This work will also consider our relevant processes and policies and whether we need to change or strengthen any,” the letter said.

ITV bosses are set to be quizzed by MPs over their handling of the situation at This Morning next week.

The network’s executives will appear before the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee on Tuesday.

They had been scheduled to appear before the committee anyway, to discuss the draft Media Bill, but have been told to expect an interrogation over the Schofield affair as well.

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England announce squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

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England announce squad for FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

The England squad for the Women’s World Cup has been announced, with Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Mary Earps among the 23 players heading to Australia and New Zealand.

Beth Mead, who won the Golden Boot in last year’s Euro 2022 triumph, has been recovering from an ACL injury sustained in November and will miss out.

Captain Leah Williamson and midfielder Fran Kirby, who are injured, are also among those who will not be going to the tournament.

Speaking about the high profile absentees, England boss Sarina Wiegman said: “It’s very disappointing for Leah. It’s very sad but it’s the same for Fran [Kirby] and the same for Beth Mead. But you have to move on too, and unfortunately this is part of top-level sport.”

Wiegman confirmed defender Millie Bright will take on the captaincy in light of Williamson’s absence.

Asked if there was ever a chance of Mead recovering from her injury in time, Wiegman said: “No, I don’t think so. Beth is so positive and she’s going really well [in her recovery]. But we were always wary of her time schedule.”

England’s first game is against Haiti on 22 July and they will later play Denmark and China in Group D.

Lionesses World Cup announcement – all the reaction here

England's Fran Kirby and Beth Mead celebrate with the trophy after winning Women's Euro 2022
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Fran Kirby (left) and Beth Mead, who will both not be going to the World Cup, celebrate with the trophy after winning Euro 2022

Here’s the full squad:

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Man Utd), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man Utd)

Forwards: Alessia Russo (Man Utd), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (Man City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Bethany England (Tottenham)

Leah Williamson misses out due to injury. Pic: AP
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Leah Williamson misses out due to injury. Pic: AP

Expectations are high for Wiegman’s team after winning last summer’s Euro 2022.

They also beat Brazil in the first-ever Women’s Finalissima in April this year.

The World Cup squad was announced at Sutton Coldfield’s Boldmere St Michael’s FC to “highlight the strong connection between the grassroots game and England teams”.

Analysis from Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui

There are a couple of surprises. The goalkeepers are unchanged from the Euros last summer.

Mary Earps is the undisputed number one. There is very good news for England fans in defence as both Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze are both in the squad after end-of-season knee surgeries.

There is no place for Maya Le Tissier. Jordan Nobbs and Laura Coombs both had strong seasons to earn their places in the squad.

It’s interesting that Katie Zelem is in as she was left out of the last England squad. She’s probably in this one because there’s no Leah Williamson so they need another back-up holding midfielder.

Up front, there is even more intrigue as Bethany England is included after a sensational start to her Tottenham career.

After 12 goals in 12 games for Spurs, Sarina Wiegman decides to give her a recall despite not playing for England since September.

Asked about the weight of expectation following recent successes, Wiegman said: “Our approach is no different in this tournament in the sense that we always want to be at our best.

“We’re a little bit in transition now with some changes in the team, but I still think we’re really good and have many very talented players.

“We’re just going to make sure that we’re at our best and then we’ll see how far we’ll go.

“We’re still in a very good place.”

Jordan Nobbs is included in the squad despite sustaining an injury in Aston Villa’s penultimate game of the season.

Read more:
UK calls on FIFA and broadcasters to ‘quickly reach agreement’ to show World Cup

Millie Bright will take on the captaincy. Pic: AP
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Millie Bright will take on the captaincy. Pic: AP

Meanwhile, Katie Zelem has been brought back after not making the last squad in April and there is no recall for Williamson’s predecessor as captain Steph Houghton.

Jess Park, Maya Le Tissier and Emily Ramsey have been named on standby.

Wiegman said after the squad announcement: “The last week has been pretty stressful. We’ve had to make hard decisions in the last period. It’s nice for the ones who are in, it’s not nice for the ones who aren’t.

“We’ve had very good conversations with the tactical staff, we follow the players very closely. But it’s been really hard.”

Wiegman also said she had some very enjoyable phone calls with players who found out they had made the squad.

Leah Williamson, center left, and Millie Bright lift the trophy after winning the Women's Euro 2022 final. Pic: AP
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Leah Williamson, center left, and Millie Bright lift the trophy after winning the Women’s Euro 2022 final. Pic: AP

Giving her thoughts on the selection, former England goalkeeper Carly Telford told Sky Sports News: “It’s good to see Millie Bright on that list. I think we’ll all be relieved about that.

“She’s [Wiegman] gone with experience in Jordan Nobbs. It’s great to see her back, along with Katie Zelem – I think they’re going to be important.

“There’s some freshness in there. Katie Robinson’s a very exciting prospect.

“No Jess Park, which is disappointing, but her injury towards the end of the season probably hindered her a little bit.

“It’s a solid squad. It’s got good versatility and good depth.”

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