REBECCA ADLINGTON claimed Great Britain's first medal in the pool when she produced a performance full of her customary guts, determination and no little skill as she took bronze in the 400 metres freestyle.
The race was won by Frenchwoman Camille Muffat in a new Olympic record of four minutes 01.45 seconds with American Allison Schmitt second.
However, it was a superb performance by the defending champion, forced to swim out of lane eight after only just scraping into the final.
The 23-year-old came from sixth at halfway to touch in 4mins 03.01secs and by the end was closing on Muffat and Schmitt.
Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn from the marathon with a foot injury, with Scotland's Freya Murray the nominated reserve.