Great Britain’s Ben Proud won bronze in the men’s 50m freestyle on the penultimate day of the World Championships in Doha.

Proud, who won gold at the 2022 championships and bronze last year, finished third in 21.53 seconds.

Ukrainian Vladyslav Bukhov earned gold with a time of 21:44 – just 0.01 seconds ahead of Australia’s 2023 world champion Cameron McEvoy.

“I really take it as a privilege to be here,” said Proud.

“I’ve been in multiple World Championship finals now, and I said a couple of years ago that if I’m not going to be the best in the world, I just want to be consistent, constantly top five – and in doing that, it delivers more medals now and then.

“All eyes are on Paris, so this is like a nice token to take back to the team and the family, and another point along the journey.”

Speaking after winning his first world title, Bukhov said Russian athletes should “absolutely not” be allowed at the Paris Olympics because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed in December that Russian and Belarusian individuals who qualify for the Games are permitted to take part as neutrals.

“It’s hard, really hard,” said Bukhov, 21. “We train while Russian rockets are flying round the swimming pool. You never know if you stay alive or not. It’s difficult. For all Ukrainians.”

Asked if Russians should compete at the Paris Olympics, he added: “Absolutely not. I want to say Russia is dangerous and should not be supported in competition.”

Elsewhere, Anna Hopkin finished third in her women’s 50m freestyle semi-final to qualify fifth fastest overall for Sunday’s final.

Freya Colbert missed out on a podium place as she finished eighth in the women’s 200m backstroke final.