Adam Peaty to step back from competing due to mental health concerns, aims to be ready for Paris Olympics

Adam Peaty is to step back from competing due to mental health concerns, but he aims to be ready for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The British swimming legend, a three-time Olympic champion and eight-time world champion who has broken multiple world records, said it was “important to be honest” about his struggles and that the decision had been driven by feeling “tired” and “not enjoying the sport as I have done for the last decade”.

Peaty released the news via his social media accounts, and his statement began with an unattributed quote, which read: “Everyone wants to sit in your seat until they have to sit in your seat. Very few people understand what winning and success does to an individual’s mental health. They don’t understand the pressures these individuals put on themselves, to win over and over again.”

He then expanded on his reasoning.

“As some people may know, I’ve struggled with my mental health over the last few years and I think it’s important to be honest about it,” Peaty said.

“I’m tired, not myself and I’m not enjoying the sport as I have done for the last decade.

“Some might recognise it as burnout – I just know that over the last few years I haven’t had the answers. With help, now I know how I can address the imbalance in my life.

“Whilst I am continuing to train, I have decided to withdraw from the British Swimming Championships next month.

“This is with the sole purpose of delivering the best performance possible in Paris at the 2024 Olympic Games.

“I’m hugely grateful for all the support I am receiving from my team and family at British Swimming, along with my incredible sponsors, family and friends.

“As always I thank the swimming community and beyond for the incredible support I’ve forever received.

“This sport has given me everything I am and I’m looking forward to finding the love I have for it again.”