Adam Ramsay-Peaty has admitted his future ‘won’t be filled with glory’ after being forced to settle for bronze in the 100metres breaststroke final at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, labelling sport as ‘cruel’ in an emotional statement on Instagram.
The British swimmer, 31, broke down in tears immediately after finishing third, having held the world record since 2015. He has one more shot at gold over 50m in Glasgow on Monday night, having qualified second in his semi-final yesterday.
But Ramsay-Peaty has accepted that golds will no longer come as regularly as they once did, admitting in a statement that his ‘story won’t be filled with glory, victory and gold’ from now on.
He said in a post on Instagram: ‘A proud moment for me after a monumental effort to climb back from the Olympics two years ago. But as we know, sport is cruel, it’s the same reason that it’s beautiful. But why do it? I still love standing on the blocks, hearing the roar of the crowd, fighting inch by inch in every stroke, putting myself on the line, and, because I’m not finished. Ultimately, I know these are the stories I will be telling my children and their children.
‘Bronze in the 100m was a bittersweet moment, I must put it into the perspective that it’s my first championship since Paris 2024. But with that, I know in my soul that I am capable of much more, as all athletes, I push myself to the extremity in training for better results. The race just didn’t come together unfortunately and I am building my race skills back together.
Adam Ramsay-Peaty has admitted his future ‘won’t be filled with glory’ after Sunday’s bronze
Ramsay-Peaty, pictured with wife Holly, also labelled sport as ‘cruel’ in an emotional statement
‘The canvas is set and I know this story won’t be filled with glory, victory and gold. However I’ll keep fighting, learning, adapting and striving for excellence until I can no longer give anymore. Sport isn’t a fairytale if your happiness and self-worth are only validated by medals. But it can be, if you find value in the hardship, the struggle and the tough times which might ultimately lead you to what you seek.
‘To the younger athletes, never be discouraged by a performance you’re not happy with, do not be afraid to be vulnerable in knowing that your training deserved more and use the pain to keep fighting. Enjoy every second because this journey goes much faster than you think.
‘To the people out there who want to hurt me and my family with comments, I have seen this story thousand times with other athletes from many sports. We are athletes, doing something we love and that is our deepest passion. As it’s said, be the change you want to see in the world, and, I want a better world for the next generation of athletes. Love always wins.
‘I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to race again at this level. Thankful for my wife, my friends, my team, and the people in the stands who cheer my name. Racing with my countries’ flag on my cap is the greatest honour.
‘Tonight, I go again.’
Ramsay-Peaty’s wife, Holly – the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay – has been in Glasgow to watch the races. Fatherhood has shifted the breast-stroker’s priorities but he does not plan to retire before the next Olympics.
More to follow.
