Matt Richards expects a “hell of a scrap” as swimmers vie for Team GB Paris Olympics spots

MATT RICHARDS expects a “hell of a scrap” at the British Olympic trials this evening — as he praises Adam Peaty for qualifying for Team GB.

The British Swimming Championships conclude today at the London Aquatics Centre in Stratford, East London.

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Matt Richards is trying to win the men’s 200 metres freestyle national title[/caption]

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The Somerset swimmer became world champion last year[/caption]

All week performance bosses have picked the Paris-bound squad off the back of the results but the selection policy is ruthless because only TWO people can go per discipline.

The biggest dilemma comes in the men’s 200 metres freestyle where Britain have FOUR world-class performers.

A streamlined quartet who all won Olympic relay gold together three years ago in Tokyo.

Two former world champions, Richards and James Guy, and the reigning Olympic individual gold and silver medallists, Tom Dean and Duncan Scott, will be vying for premier seats on the Eurostar this July.

Glastonbury-based Richards, 21, said: “It’s a very strange position to be in going into that champs.

“There is absolutely no guaranteed that I will make that event for Paris.

“I have got to try and fight for that spot. It’s a hell of a scrap that we will all have.

“But I’m really excited for it. That is what I love. I love racing. I love those tight battles that we have.

Richards will be fully fuelled when he goes to the Paris Olympics

“It’s very competitive for sure. We’re all good enough mates that regardless of the outcome, we will still be able to have a good laugh about it afterwards.

“I want to go to Paris and win many medals as I can possibly can.

“I definitely keep an eye on their results, see what times they have done. I wouldn’t say I stalk them or anything. But social media only tells you so much.”

Peaty, 29, has been the headline name of the six-day Champs and last Tuesday evening he comfortably won the men’s 100 metres breaststroke.

The three-time Olympic champion took an extended break from the pool last year, citing general tiredness, a lack of motivation and a desire to “address the imbalance in my life”.

In his absence, we have seen the emergence of Chinese superstar Qin Haiyang but the Staffordshire Pool Terrier has left a solid legacy in the water, especially among his international teammates.

Richards, an ambassador for VOW Nutrition, said: “I’ve have always been hugely inspired by Adam.

“Growing up for me he was one of the guys that was on the TV, winning everything, breaking world records.

“It has been a pleasure to see that relationship change from me being a young fan to being a teammate.

“There’s a photo of me and him from 2014 or 2015 when I was 11 or 12 years old.

“He was running a swimming clinic. A day where you can come and train with him.

“We both have a good giggle about that and how young we look in that photo. And also how times change.

“At the last Olympics, we were sharing an apartment, I was in the room next door.”

“I just hope that he’s happy and enjoying himself and back to where he wants to be.

“His mental health has to come first. Having that break is definitely what he needed.

“And now he’s back to it, I just hope he keeps enjoying it. If he is, then that’s the most important thing as far as I’m concerned.”

Matt Richards is Olympic Champion, double World Champion and an ambassador for VOW Nutrition www.vownutrition.com.