‘Step away’ – Adam Peaty issues update on future after missing out on potential final Olympic medal
Adam Peaty has declared he's going to let his heart decide when asked about his future after what could be his final Olympic race.
Team GB just missed out on getting on the podium after finishing fourth in the men's 4x100m medley relay final at Paris 2024 on Sunday.
Peaty swam the second leg where he left Team GB in second spot, but they eventually finished with a time of 3:29:60, which saw hosts France taking Bronze with 3:28:38 and the United States and China taking silver and gold respectively.
Peaty turns 30 this December, and now, the swimmer has hinted his future in the sport remains up in the air ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
“If my heart wants it, my heart wants it, and I’ll absolutely sign that contract with myself to do it,” Peaty told the BBC. “But that may be a long way away.
"I think I have got to step away from the sport. It’s just hurt too much this time."
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But despite this, Peaty hasn't totally shut down the possibility of a return to the pool.
He added: “I don’t know what the answer is. If my family needs me, my family needs me. If they want me to do it... I don’t know.
"If your heart doesn’t want it, your heart doesn’t want it. We are going to enjoy today rather than worry about tomorrow.”
Team GB's veteran had been suffering with Covid at the tournament.
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He missed out on the mixed medley 4x100m relay final after earning a silver medal in the men's 100m breaststroke last week, where he came agonisingly close to gold.
Speaking about his illness, he stated: "I said I was going to forget the body. I saw these boys this morning, we got a good meal. I’m really happy.
"It’s my only swim this whole Games where I’ve been really happy because of certain circumstances.
"But unfortunately in our sport you only truly get to plan a peak once every four years.
"You can miss it by one week, which I have due to my illness.
"But you can’t throw your toys out of the pram."
Peaty has won three gold medals and as many silver medals at the Olympics during his career.
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