Adam Peaty happy being 'underdog' as he bids to equal Michael Phelps' record at Paris 2024 Olympic Games
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Updated 21/06/2024 at 16:53 GMT
Adam Peaty is hoping to complete his swimming comeback by defending his Olympic breatstroke title in Paris. The 29-year-old Brit had a prolonged period away from the sport due to a series of injury setbacks and mental health struggles, but is back to chase a rare three-peat this summer. He says he feels less pressure this time and has embraced being the "underdog".
The Olympians – Triple Olympic champion Adam Peaty
Great Britain’s Adam Peaty is embracing the title of “underdog” as he prepares to defend his Olympic breaststroke title in Paris this summer.
The 29-year-old is continuing his comeback after missing the 2022 World Championships with a foot injury and stepping away from the sport in 2023 due to mental health struggles.
He returned to the pool in October last year and claimed bronze at this year’s World Championships.
Peaty qualified for the Paris Olympics after winning the British swimming title in April with the fastest time of the year at 57.94 seconds, and has the chance to join Michael Phelps as just the second man to win gold in the same event at three separate Games.
However, Peaty believes there is less pressure this time around and he is happy being the “underdog” as he chases more history.
"For me, going into these Games and especially these last 12 months, I've enjoyed being the person with the bow and arrow and not the one being fired at," he told the BBC.
"There's no pressure really on me. Yes, I'm Olympic champion and people are going for that crown but I haven't really won anything since 2022 or 2021.
"I'm OK with that because I've been the underdog and I enjoy being an underdog, I enjoy fighting my way through the rounds."
The three-time Olympic gold medallist has had a glittering career, including eight World Championship titles, 17 European titles and four Commonwealth Games golds.
Peaty, who has a host of world records in the 50m and 100m breaststroke events, says he is going to Paris with a new approach and a sense of peace.
"I guess [I'm] more relaxed in my approach," he said.
"A little bit more knowledgeable of self. When I look myself in the mirror I'm very peaceful.
"In sport terms I think that's when you're most dangerous for everyone else, because you're just so at peace. I'm not afraid to lose, I'm not afraid to win - how can you beat an athlete like that?"
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