- Adam Peaty reports that he has experienced the most challenging week of his life physically
- Peaty, after dealing with a sore throat, has tested positive for Covid-19
Adam Peaty has reflected on what he calls ‘the most challenging week’ of his life in terms of physical health, accepting he won’t be at his peak for the remainder of his Olympic campaign.
He battled a sore throat before securing a silver medal in the men’s 100 meters breaststroke final last Sunday, and after his symptoms worsened, tested positive for Covid on Monday.
Following two days of rest, he was back in the water on Wednesday, participating in the men’s 4x100m medley relay on Saturday morning.
Describing his difficult week, Peaty mentioned he also faced additional health issues such as an ear infection, though it’s uncertain if this is related to his Covid diagnosis.
‘It’s been an incredibly tough week, but there’s hope for the next 36 hours,’ Peaty stated, indicating his potential participation in the mixed medley event on Saturday night after missing out on Friday morning’s heats.
Adam Peaty has acknowledged that he has faced the worst week of his life physically
Peaty tested positive for Covid after securing silver in the men’s 100m breaststroke final
‘This has probably been the worst week of my life with respect to my body’s condition – and I’m not exaggerating.
‘Everything has overwhelmed me, and since contracting Covid, I’ve been waking up each day with something new.
‘The medical team has been fantastic, and making it to the start block is already a victory for me. I hope this gives my body a little boost for tomorrow.’
Peaty, alongside Oliver Morgan, Joe Litchfield, and Matt Richards, placed second in their heat, qualifying fifth fastest overall, with France, led by Leon Marchand, setting the pace.
Marchand, who earned his fourth individual gold medal on Friday night, swam the breaststroke leg in a different heat and is slated for a highly anticipated face-off against Peaty on Sunday.
Peaty competed as Team GB successfully advanced to the final of the men’s 4x100m medley relay
However, Peaty, whose time of 59.16 seconds was just 0.11 seconds off his time from last week’s men’s 100m breaststroke final, acknowledged that he won’t be at his optimal performance this weekend.
‘I’m pleased to have a heat swim,’ Peaty remarked. ‘It’s my first tough workout since last Sunday’s final.
‘If I’m not feeling well, that’s just how it is. My coach Mel (Marshall) has taught me that even when you’re unwell, you still compete.
‘With only two days left, I know I won’t be at 100 percent, but I will give it my all, and I hope that leads to a good result.’
