After a narrow miss at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and a challenging few years, Adam Peaty has announced he’s not ready to step away from swimming just yet. The 30-year-old Olympic champion is preparing for a comeback, motivated not only by a change in the Olympic program but also by his role as a father.
“I want my kids to see that you don’t give up when it gets tough,” Peaty told BBC Sport. “You dig deep and find another way.”
A Painful Loss and a Deeper Message
Peaty’s journey hit a low point last year during the 100m breaststroke final. Aiming for his third straight Olympic gold in the event, he had to settle for silver—missing out by just 0.02 seconds. That result came just days after he contracted COVID-19, affecting his performance.
“I got ill on the day you’re supposed to be most healthy,” he said, trying to keep a light heart. “It was incredibly painful, but I don’t look back and think it was a horrible moment. It taught me so much about myself and what I want to do next.”
A Shift in the Olympic Schedule Offers New Hope
One major reason for Peaty’s decision to keep going is a new change to the Olympic swimming lineup. The 50m breaststroke, his specialty sprint event, will be included at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“I watched the announcement and thought, ‘this will change the sport,’” Peaty said. “Sprint swimmers now have a different way to train. It’s tough, but you don’t have to do 4,000 to 5,000 meters every session anymore.”
He added that this change could help athletes who’ve spent years grinding through long-distance training and need a more manageable schedule.
Balancing Family and Sport
Peaty’s return isn’t just about medals. It’s also about setting an example for his son, George, who will be eight years old by the time of the next Olympics.
“He’ll really understand what the Olympics are about,” Peaty said. “It’s no longer a decision just for me. It’s a family choice now. When I’m happy, I race faster. I’ve learned that you need a balance.”
Peaty’s words reflect not just an athlete’s mindset, but also that of a father looking to inspire. The champion hopes his journey shows that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond does.
Coaching Changes and Mental Health Journey
The path back to the pool hasn’t been easy. After winning gold in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2021), Peaty faced personal struggles, including a break from swimming due to mental health issues and a battle with alcohol.
Adding to the uncertainty, his longtime coach, Mel Marshall, recently left to take a job in Australia. This sparked speculation that Peaty might retire. However, his recent commitment to the next Olympic cycle puts those rumors to rest.
What’s Next for Peaty?
Though the British Swimming Championships, held April 16–20 and streamed live on BBC iPlayer, mark a key point in the swimming calendar, Peaty will not compete this time. He’s easing back into the sport, focusing on long-term goals rather than immediate results.
For Peaty, the road to Los Angeles will be a gradual one. But with new events, renewed motivation, and his family behind him, the British swimmer is back in the game—stronger and more focused than ever.
