Julian Fletcher finished third in his heat of the 100 metres breaststroke at the Aquatics Stadium at the Barra Olympic Park today.

The 25-year-old, who was making his Olympic debut, finished heat one in a time of 1min 2.73sec behind winner Radomyos Matjiur, of Thailand, who was timed in 1:02.36, and Martin Melconian Alvez, of Uruguay, in 1:02.67.

Fletcher’s time was more than two tenths of a second off his personal best of 1:02.47 and not quick enough to qualify for the semi-finals tonight.

The top 15 swimmers advanced to the next stage, with Fletcher finishing in 40th position out of 46, almost 3.50sec away from continuing in the event.

“Technique-wise, I did great and I was right where I wanted to be, and it felt like what I’ve been training for,” Fletcher said.

“It wasn’t a best time for me and it’s always unfortunate not to go a best time at a major competition.

“The fact I’ve now completed an Olympic race to make me an Olympian, well, that absolutely blows my mind. I couldn’t be happier.”

Favourite Adam Peaty, of Britain, shattered his own world record of 57.92 after winning heat six in 57.55.