FILIP Nowacki improved on his heat performance and pushed Adam Ramsay-Peaty all the way, clocking 59.52 seconds to finish just behind the Englishman, who touched the wall in 59.19s, in front of a raucous Tollcross crowd.
Ramsay-Peaty, competing under his new surname for the first time at the Games, insisted he still has plenty left to fend off the sport’s emerging stars.
“I compare myself to 2014 and I think where Filip can be in 12 years is very exciting.
“I love to win gold, don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to be a scrapper.”
Adam Ramsay-Peaty
Nowacki responded with confidence of his own.
“I’ve definitely got a bit of scrap in me. That race was great. To be racing arguably the best breaststroker of all time is very special to me.”
Asked whether he believes he has what it takes to beat the Olympic champion, the Jerseyman did not hesitate.
“I’m going to say yes, I’m confident. My training has been progressing really well. I’m going to give it my best, and I’ve got no doubt he’s going to give it his best as well.”
Despite his confidence, Nowacki admitted racing alongside Ramsay-Peaty has played a huge role in his own development.
“He is a true role model. He is so professional, so zoned in.
“Being one of the youngsters coming through, it’s important to look up to people like that.”
Ramsay-Peaty will not be Nowacki’s only threat in Saturday night’s final. Australia’s Sam Williamson posted 59.27s in the opening semi-final, while Canada’s Oliver Dawson also dipped below the one-minute mark.
Nowacki now turns his attention to Saturday’s 100m breaststroke final, which gets under way at 9.04pm.h is scheduled to take place at 9.04pm on Saturday evening.
