The Question That Changed Everything
Adam Peaty’s Comeback: Just over a year ago, Adam Peaty faced a pivotal question from his coach: “What do you want to do?” At that moment, Peaty wanted to stop everything. He didn’t want to see a pool again. He felt beaten down repeatedly.
A Golden Past
Peaty had a stellar 9-12 months career, triumphing Olympic gold medals and becoming the first British swimmer to keep an Olympic name. He was unbeatable in the 100m breaststroke for 8 years, breaking the sector record in five instances. Peaty was a star in and out of the pool, dancing into British hearts every Saturday night.
The Crash
However, 2022 and 2023 were different. “It all came crashing down. I came crashing down,” Peaty says. He didn’t take a break after the 2021 Olympics, went straight into work, and even danced, thinking it would be a good distraction. But he broke his foot later that year, leading to a major burnout in 2023.
Struggles and Setbacks
Peaty’s broken foot meant he missed the 2022 World Championships and entered the Commonwealth Games unprepared. He finished fourth in the final, ending his winning streak in the 100m. “When I lost that 100m final, I spiraled,” he says. Four months later, he went to Melbourne for the short-course World Championships and didn’t get the desired result. Peaty faced issues with depression and alcohol after his 2016 Rio Olympics victory. These problems worsened, and his relationship with his son’s mother broke down. By early 2023, he opted to take a break from the sport, citing mental health reasons.
Mental Health Battle
“At my lowest, I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror,” Peaty says. He felt everything was grey, with no optimism or healthy relationships. His mental health struggles were severe, leading to a public statement about being in a “self-destructive spiral.”
A Year Later
A year later, Peaty returned, aiming for a third Olympic gold medal in Paris. He remains open about his struggles. “When you have your first child, it disrupts the natural flow,” says Peaty. His son, George, born in September 2022, brought immense joy and challenges. Peaty’s mask slips, showing his vulnerability.
Sacrifices for Gold
“People don’t understand the sacrifice,” he explains. If his son has a sniffle, Peaty can’t afford the risk. That victory will be worth it if he understands, and one day he will.” Peaty has a lion tattooed on his arm and the Olympic rings on his abdomen. He also has a cross on his abdomen and another hanging from a gold chain. Rediscovering his Christian faith, gardening, and journaling helped him find a better mental place.
Adam Peaty 3.0
“I could have easily said we have got all of the Olympic golds we wanted,” Peaty says. He never feared losing but always feared regret. He owed it to himself to show he could return healthily. In his absence, China’s Qin Haiyang has been on a remarkable run, becoming the second-fastest man in history behind Peaty. Seeing Qin’s success reignited Peaty’s competitive flame.
Return to the World Stage
Peaty returned to the World Championships this year, settling for bronze. His performance, though slower than his best, was encouraging. His victory at the British trials in April, with a title won in 57.94 seconds, sent a shockwave out east. He embraces his emotions, seeing them as a strength.
The Future: Adam Peaty’s Comeback
The first coming of Peaty was good, the second great. Is Adam Peaty 3.0, and he is not done yet? With renewed focus and determination, Peaty will make history again.
