Swimming star Adam Peaty tests positive for COVID-19 a day after narrowly missing out on gold at Paris Olympics 2024

By adam addicott

Modified Jul 29, 2024 15:56 GMT

Adam Peaty is hopeful he will be able to take part in the relay races at the Paris Olympics later this week despite testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday. The British delegation says the situation is being 'managed appropriately' with protocols in place to minimize the chances of others getting infected.

Peaty tested positive after complaining about feeling unwell following the final. It was confirmed less than 24 hours after he won a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke.

The 29-year-old missed out on the gold medal by 0.02 seconds to Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi, who finished the race in 59.03 seconds. Nic Flink of America was also awarded a silver medal after finishing at the same time as Peaty.

"Adam began feeling unwell on Sunday, ahead of his men's 100m breaststroke final," Team GB confirmed in a statement. "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 program. 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 statement further read.

The Brit only has until Friday to recover which is when the relay heats begins. If he is unable to do so, it will be a huge blow to his team. Peaty won a gold medal in the mixed relay at the Tokyo Games, as well as a silver in the men's 4X100M medley. He also won a silver medal in the 4x100M medley relay at the Rio 2016 Games.

Peaty has won a total of six medals so far in his career, including three golds. However, his latest medal is special for different reasons.

In recent times he has spoken publically about dealing with mental health issues and alcohol abuse which he describes as 'three years of hell.' During this period he was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and took a break from the sport.

“It’s not sad at all,” Peaty said of his latest achievement. “These are happy tears. If you’re willing to put yourself on the line every single time, I think there’s no such thing as a loss. I’m so happy the right man won."

“I’m not defining myself by a medal. I define myself by my heart and what it has made me feel and produce. It’s got the best out of me."

“It’s broken me, this sport, but it’s also given me life, it’s given me everything I am and I am happy to stand here with not really any answers to what that performance is but a happy heart and that is all that matters.”

This isn't the first case of COVID-19 at the Paris Games. Last Wednesday, it was confirmed that five members of Australia's women's water polo players tested positive for the virus.