NANTERRE, France (AP)

— In a stunning upset at the Paris Olympics, Nicolo Martinenghi of Italy clinched the gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke, captivating fans and altering the anticipated narrative of the event. Martinenghi, who previously secured a bronze medal in the same event at the Tokyo Olympics and triumphed at the world championships in Doha earlier this year, was not the favored competitor. That title was expected to go to Great Britain's Adam Peaty, the two-time defending Olympic champion, who competed in Lane 4, while China's Qin Haiyang, a dominant force in breaststroke events, was also a strong contender in Lane 5. Martinenghi expressed his excitement about racing in his preferred Lane 7, recalling fond memories from his training days. “I love to race that way,” he stated, highlighting the significance of the lane to his performance. Meanwhile, Peaty, who had taken a year off from competitive swimming to focus on his mental health, reflected on his journey, emphasizing that he does not view his participation as a loss. “I define myself by my heart and what it’s made me feel,” he remarked, showcasing his resilience in the face of challenges. Qin Haiyang, who holds the world record in the 200-meter breaststroke and swept the breaststroke events at last year’s world championships, faced scrutiny as one of 11 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned heart medication prior to the Tokyo Games, although they were not sanctioned. The unexpected outcomes of the race have shifted the focus of the competition, leaving fans and analysts eager to see how the rest of the Olympics unfold.