Peaty: Anger is my jet fuel

ADAM PeATY is sitting in the Birmingham Library, as good a place as any to have a quiet moment to reflect. It has been, as he puts it, an ‘emotional week’ — from the agony of losing his first meaningful 100metres breaststroke race in eight years, to the ecstasy of completing his major gold medal set in the 50m. he is heading for a month’s rest but before he does, Peaty is in Birmingham to look back on his Games. And for all his highs and lows, there is one moment he will remember above all.

‘I still get angry thinking about it,’ admits Peaty about his shock loss on Sunday. ‘I will be thinking about it for the next two years. Because what other jet fuel do I have? The strategy is to use that loss to drive me on. I’m not happy with losing.’ There were mitigating circumstances as Peaty broke his foot in May and could have sat out these Games. But as he says: ‘A defeat is a defeat. It doesn’t matter if I broke a hand or a foot, I still turned up.’ Losing hit him so hard he briefly considered hanging up his goggles. ‘A lot of athletes consider walking away, especially in the low moments,’ says Peaty. Thankfully, those thoughts have been put to bed. After a break, it is full speed to the 2024 Olympics. And unlike last year when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, this winter there will be no distractions. ‘Absolutely not, it’s business time now,’ adds Peaty at an appearance for sponsors Speedo. ‘The training has to be the priority. I’m going to really hit it hard for the next two years.’