Richards frustrated, but it adds 'fuel to the fire'published at 22:46 29 July
Tom Brown
BBC Sport Wales
Image source, BBC SportMatt Richards says he will learn from his first individual Olympic final
A silver medal in your first individual Olympic final is an impressive feat.
But Matt Richards has high standards.
After winning the world title in this event - the 200m freestyle - only last year, he wanted the Olympic title tonight.
But after qualifying seventh fastest, he was out in lane one. He told me afterwards he will learn from the experience for his remaining events this week.
“That was probably a tactical error on my part last night," he admitted. "I probably could’ve done with being in the middle of the pool and a little bit closer to what was going on.
"But it’s great learning. I’m young. I’m 21 years old. I plan on being in the sport at least another 10 years yet. I’d like to get to five Olympic Games if I’m able to.
"I will learn from that last night. I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen again this week or every major meet after this.
"So if that means that tonight I was meant to get the silver rather than the gold because of it. Everything happens for a reason."
