PARIS, July 31, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Britain's Duncan Scott hailed his team's "mature" performance after anchoring Britain to victory in the men's Olympic 4x200m freestyle relay Tuesday to successfully defend their title.

Led off by James Guy and brought home by Scott, with Tom Dean and Matt Richards in the middle legs, they touched in 6mins 59.43secs, ahead of the United States and Australia.

The same team won gold at the Tokyo Games, which bettered the silver they claimed at Rio in 2016.

They led from start to finish in Paris, clocking the sixth-fastest time in history.

"We were just so mature with how we all swam our legs," said Scott.

"To be able to come back really strong to give the next person a great opportunity, I'm buzzing with that."

The United States, who won the 4x100m title this week, took silver in 7:00.78 with Australia picking up bronze in 7:01.98.

Scott said the calibre of his British team-mates "fills you with confidence going up behind the block".

"I'm standing behind the block and I'm like, 'I'm in a pretty good place here going last behind three boys'," the 27-year-old said.

"I get to just float in at the end."

The British team won their gold three years ago at the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Games with spectators barred from the pool because of virus concerns.

Dean said it was "different" to win at La Defense Arena, which was packed with roaring fans.

"My family and friends were there in the crowd and that's the most special thing," he said.

"It's all I've been thinking about since we won it in Tokyo, is wanting to do it again."