Adam Peaty has faced a challenging time during the Paris Olympics, yet he has still managed to secure yet another medal. His difficulties included a bout with Covid, and he has now revealed alarming details about the quality of food being provided to athletes.
Peaty was expected to be one of Team GB’s top contenders for gold as he headed into Paris 2024, but he ended up finishing second in the 100m breaststroke, an event where he has traditionally dominated.
In his post-race interview, he admitted to grappling with a sore throat, and shortly thereafter, he tested positive for Covid.
After recovering enough to compete in the men’s 4x100m medley relay over the weekend, a further setback came when Team GB finished in fourth place. He is believed to still be undergoing a strong regimen of antibiotics.
Peaty has since spoken out about the allegedly poor standards of catering at the Games, even claiming that some athletes reported finding ‘worms in the fish.’
Adam Peaty has lifted the lid on the state of the food on offer to athletes at the Olympic Village
He admitted that there were some athletes finding ‘worms in the fish’ at the Paris facility
‘The catering does not meet the expectations for the performance level required of athletes. We need to provide the best possible options,’ he expressed to the i paper.
‘In Tokyo, the food was phenomenal; Rio was also excellent. Yet this time around… there were insufficient protein options, and waiting in long queues for 30 minutes to get food due to the lack of a proper queuing system made it even worse.’
He further stated: ‘The push for sustainability seems to have come at the expense of the athletes’ needs. I require meat to perform, just as I do at home, so it makes no sense to expect me to change.’ Peaty added.
‘I enjoy fish, but people are discovering worms in it. That’s simply unacceptable.
‘Considering we are talking about the best athletes in the world, it is concerning that we are not providing them with the best nourishment.’
‘I want to see improvements in how people handle their roles. Athletes can offer valuable feedback on these issues.’
While there has been a strong emphasis on sustainability during the Games, which is undoubtedly positive given the growing carbon footprint of global sports, the negative impact on athletes’ nutrition is concerning.
A spokesperson for the Paris Olympics stated that their partners are working diligently to ‘adjust supplies’ in the Olympic Village, and additional staff have reportedly been brought on board to improve service efficiency.
The food on offer has come in for scrutiny, with Peaty also suggesting that the ‘best in the world’ are not getting similar standards of catering
Peaty is among a growing number of athletes actively working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, having previously shared his own challenges that led him to take a brief hiatus from swimming.
He made his return to the sport in time for the Olympics, securing his spot on Team GB, but after competing in the men’s 4x100m medley relay, he acknowledged that he would need to step back again.
‘I believe I need to take a break because this time it has been too painful, it truly has,’ remarked Peaty.
‘Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so why dwell on it? If my heart desires it, then I will sign that contract with myself to pursue it. But that decision may be a long way off.
‘This could have been my final swim here.
Peaty will be taking a step back from swimming after the Olympics but has left the door open to LA 2028
Peaty finished fourth in the men’s 4x100m medley relay event after recovering from Covid
‘Mel (Marshall, Peaty’s long-standing coach) has a remarkable future ahead of her in Australia, and she will attract the right talent. I’m uncertain about what my next steps will be.’
Nonetheless, he has indicated that he remains open to the possibility of competing in LA 2028, with a decision about his participation expected in ‘two years’ time’ based on what he considers ‘feasible.’
