Matt Richard thought he'd won gold, but then he reckoned he was the victim of a curse after missing out by just 0.02 seconds.<br /><br />The "gutted" Team GB swimmer fell short in the 200m freestyle by the same margin legendary team-mate Adam Peaty missed Paris glory.<br /><br />Romania's red-hot favorite David Popovici nicked victory ahead of Richards after the tightest of final 50m bursts.<br /><br />USA star Luke Hobson pipped Brit Duncan Scott for bronze.<br /><br />Richards told the BBC: "I thought I had got it, it felt as if I had touched it first.<br /><br />"The time says differently. It is not a sport that is up for debate, it is black and white.<br /><br />"It wasn't my best finish, I would be lying if I said it was fantastic. We move on, get better, and try to get it next time."<br /><br />He was then asked if he thought repeating Peaty's margin of misfortune was a curse.<br /><br />Richards replied: "It seems that way."<br /><br />But he added: "I can't be too disappointed with that. My first individual at an Olympic games, so coming away with a silver is great.<br /><br />And despite appearing to falter as the 200m entered the final 15m in Paris, he found a spurt of pace that seriously worried Popovici.<br /><br />So when he lost out moments later by the thickness of a swimming cap, Richards won't be the only one who believed he had edged gold.<br /><br />Many fans on social media certainly agreed with his initial verdict.<br /><br />One viewer posted: "Matthew Richards was robbed in the 200m freestyle. Oh well!"<br /><br />The swimmer also revealed his sympathy for team-mate Scott.<br /><br />Richards said: "Look, if anything it has added more fire to my belly. I've got a lot more to come this week.<br /><br />"It fuels me for the rest of the week.<br /><br />"Gutted for Duncan, myself, and him in second and fourth, just missing out on the medal he deserves it more than anyone - that bodes well for our 4x200m."
