Adam Peaty’s involvement for the remainder of the 2024 Olympics is uncertain after Team GB announced he had tested positive for Covid-19. Peaty won silver in the men’s 100m breaststroke on Sunday, missing out on gold by milliseconds, and he is scheduled to compete in relay events later in the swimming programme.
The 29-year-old was aiming for a third consecutive gold medal at the Olympics but fell 0.02 seconds short of surprise champion, Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi.
On Monday, Team GB confirmed that Peaty had been feeling “unwell” and that a test later revealed that he had been struck by Covid in Paris.
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“Adam Peaty began feeling unwell on Sunday, ahead of his men’s 100m breaststroke final.” a statement read.
“In the hours after the final, his symptoms became worse, and he was tested for Covid early on Monday morning. He tested positive at that point.
“He is hopeful to be back in competition for the relay events later in the swimming programme.
“As in any case of illness, the situation is being managed appropriately, with all usual precautions being taken to keep the wider delegation healthy.”
The heats for the mixed 4x100m medley relay heats take place on Friday morning, with the final set for Saturday night.
Peaty is also due to participate in the men’s 4x100m medley relay, with the heats on Saturday morning and the final – the second last indoor swimming event of the Olympics – on Sunday evening.
The 100m breaststroke world record holder made history at the Tokyo Games in 2020 by becoming the first-ever British swimmer to defend his Olympic title.
On Sunday, a tearful Peaty was overcome with emotion after overcoming personal issues, injury woes and mental health struggles to win silver in Paris.
He said: “It’s been a very long way back. I gave my absolute all there. It’s not about the end goal; it’s all about the process. It doesn’t matter what it says on the (timings) board – in my heart, I’ve already won.
“I’m not crying because I’ve come second. I’m crying because it’s taken so much to get here. It’s just incredibly hard to win it once and win it again and win it again. I’ve tried to find new ways to do it.
“Everything I’ve done to this point has happened for a reason, and I’m so happy I can race against the best in the world. It’s not crying because I lost; in my heart, I’ve won.
“These are happy tears. I said to myself I’d give my absolute best every day. I have and you can’t be upset about that. This event has changed so much.
“As a man now, I can’t have that relentless pursuit every day without a sacrifice. It’s very hard to compete with the younger ones. My mind is on the relays now, and trying to do my best for the team.”
