Great Britain's Ellen Gandy during the women's 100m butterfly final at the Aquatics Centre (Tony Marshall/PA Wire)

Ellen Gandy admitted she was disappointed after bringing up the rear in the women’s 100m butterfly final at the Aquatic Centre tonight.

American Dana Vollmer claimed gold in a new world record time of 55.98secs, with China’s Lu Ying (56.87) taking silver and Alicia Coutts, of Australia, claiming bronze in 56.94.

Bromley-born Gandy clocked 57.76 in lane one and said: “It was an amazing race, but to be honest, I’m disappointed with my own personal performance.

“It’s amazing to have been in a race where history has been made, but I was hoping for a faster time.

“When I turned I didn’t think it would be that time.”

Gandy, who turns 21 in just over two weeks time, was the first of the finalists to be introduced to the pool and received a tremendous reception from the home crowd.

And she revealed she was feeling comfortable on the Olympic stage ahead of her 200m butterfly heat on Tuesday.

“I got an amazing reception as the first swimmer out,” she added.

“Nothing compares to a home crowd. People have been telling us what it would be like, but nothing compares to experiencing it.

“It has put me in a good position. I’ve got used to the series of semi-final and final and I’m excited to get into the 200, which is my main event, now.

“It has given me confidence. I’ve got all the nerves out now and will have a day away from the main pool and refocus on my 200 rhythm.”

Gandy won silver in the longer event at the World Championships last year and paid tribute to cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, following her second place finish in the women’s road race earlier in the day – Great Britain’s first medal of the 2012 Games.

“It was amazing to see the silver in the road race,” added Gandy.

“It has sparked the team and got the ball rolling.”