“I’ve been on a self-destructive spiral, which I don’t mind saying because I’m human. “I got to a point in my career where I didn’t feel like myself – I didn’t feel happy swimming, I didn’t feel happy racing, my biggest love in the sport. Adam Peaty celebrates his second Olympic 100 metres breaststroke title (Joe Giddens/PA)His world record is nearly a full second quicker than anyone else has ever swum, and any defeat for Peaty, such as the one at the Commonwealth Games last summer after he returned from a foot injury, is a huge shock. That relentless pursuit of perfection has taken its toll but Peaty insists he does want to chase a third straight 100m title in Paris next summer. “The dedication and sacrifice – weekends and all your time are spent chasing that goal for this one opportunity of Olympic glory.

Source: The Times April 24, 2023 07:25 UTC