Adam Ramsay-Peaty, the 100m breaststroke world record holder and two-time Olympic champion, is set to face off against 18-year-old Filip Nowacki in the 100m breaststroke final at Glasgow's Commonwealth Games on Saturday.
Ramsay-Peaty, who has spoken of wanting to mentor and pass on advice to his young protégé, appeared in no mood to hand over the baton in Friday's semi-finals, building an early lead and holding off Nowacki in the second length.
The 31-year-old Ramsay-Peaty is chasing a 33rd major gold of a glittering career, despite a "self-destructive spiral" amid issues with his mental health that led to him considering his future in the sport.
Nowacki, who competes for Jersey and has been learning to swim under the tutelage of Nathan Jegou, is arguably best in the 200m event – a distance Ramsay-Peaty does not race.
In this shorter contest, it is the youngster who should stay stronger for longer.
Ramsay-Peaty, who has not stood atop a major podium since the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, will be looking to end a dry spell in a competition that has seen him win an emotional silver at the Olympics in Paris two years ago.
Australia's Sam Williamson, who won the first semi-final, will also have something to say in the final.
"It is going to be a good scrap, especially down that last 25m, and I do love a good scrap," Ramsay-Peaty said.
Nowacki, who has been learning from Ramsay-Peaty through the AP Race stable – the programme set up to develop the next generation – has already broken Ramsay-Peaty's 100m breaststroke junior British record.
"I saw his front wave, but at the same time that is what I train for," Ramsay-Peaty said.
"I know I am a sprinter. I know I can go out fast."
The pair should compete as Team GB team-mates in LA, but are also racing for their own personal ambitions on Saturday.
For Nowacki, a win would be Jersey's first at the Commonwealth Games for 36 years, a feat that would also end the island's 36-year medal wait.
The 100m breaststroke final is scheduled to take place at Glasgow's Commonwealth Games on Saturday, shortly after 21:00 BST.
Source: Yahoo Sports
