Team GB Star Adam Peaty Tests Positive For Covid Ahead of Relay Bid
After a photo finish that saw Adam Peaty finish just hundredths of a second behind Italy’s Nicolò Martinenghi and claim a silver medal for Team GB in the men's 100m breaststroke final, the current Men's Health cover star complained of a sore throat.
The British Olympic Association has since released a statement confirming that the 29-year-old, who was chasing his fourth Olympic gold medal, tested positive for Covid early on Monday morning.
Peaty's health and recovery has the potential to impact Britain's medal hopes throughout the week, with Britain tipped for a podium in both the 4x100m medley and 4x100m mixed medley competitions. However, without Peaty in the mix the team will have a tough battle.
The BOA statement went on to read: '[Peaty] 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.'
Peaty himself took to social media to share his diagnosis and hopes for the rest of the competition. 'I am always an advocate for complete transparency in sport as there are so many gears to make it all work,' he said. 'As per the British Olympic Association press release, I tested positive for Covid this morning after feeling unwell yesterday. I’ll now be focusing on a fast, full recovery to give my best in the team relays later in the week.'
Although there have been no further reports of Team GB athletes being taken ill, five water polo players from the Australian team also tested positive for Covid on 24 July. Team GB have since introduced new safety measures including masks and social distancing.
Peaty has had a tumultuous run up to the 2024 Paris Games, sharing with Men's Health in a recent cover interview that he had suffered from bouts of poor mental health, citing that the 'pressures of training' had 'nearly broken' him.
When is Adam Peaty Swimming Next?
Health willing, Peaty will race in the 4 x 100m men's medley, with heats set to take place at 10:33 (BST) on Saturday, 3 August, and the final, should Team GB qualify, at 17:06 (GMT) on Sunday, 4 August.
Peaty is also set to race in the the 4 x 100m mixed medley. The heats for that event will take place between 10am and 12pm on Friday, 2 August, with the final scheduled for 20:34 on Saturday, 3 August.
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