PLYMOUTH Leander’s Ben Proud broke his own British record to reach the final of the men’s 50m freestyle final at the Rio Olympics.

Proud clocked 21.54 seconds for the one length race, which qualified him fifth fastest for the final, which will take place on Saturday morning (2.44am).

It was 0.11 seconds quicker than he had ever swam before, but the University of St Mark and St John student feels he can go faster in the final.

If he can then he will be in with a medal shout.

France’s Florent Manaudou was quickest in the semis with a time of 21.32 seconds. Ukraine’s Andrii Govorov and America’s Anthony Ervin were joint second fastest with 21.46. The only other swimmer in front of Proud was fellow American Nathan Adrian, who swam 21.47 in semis.

“British record or not, it was a ticket to the final,” said Proud afterwards.

“I feel I have put myself in the best position, but again my start was not as good as I would have hoped.

“But I felt really good, really composed and I’m happy with that result.

“I did my best but I think there is more to come tomorrow.”