Adam Peaty is a six-time Olympic medallist Three-time Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty was lured back to the pool by "unfinished business", says new coach Jamie Main. The 30-year-old had previously admitted that he was not convinced he would carry on after an emotionally and physically draining silver-medal finish in the 100m breaststroke at the Paris Games last year. Peaty had dealt with mental health issues in the years leading up to the 2024 Olympics, where he aimed to claim a third consecutive gold medal in the event despite catching Covid-19 in the week leading up to the race, but was just 0.02 seconds short of glory. "When we had the conversation at the back end of last year about him potentially coming in to Repton, he felt like there was some unfinished business," Main toldBBC Radio Derby. "But he actually loves the sport and I think that has come though in a lot of what he has said since he announced that he was getting back in the pool." In April, Peaty said hewanted to set an example for his children "to not give up"after the disappointment in the French capital. The Paris Olympics was the last major event he worked with long-time coach Mel Marshall,who moved to Australia to further her career. With Marshall leaving Loughborough Performance Centre, where she was Aquatic GB's lead coach, Peaty decided to relocate to his former training base at Repton School in Derbyshire. It was there that he previously worked with Marshall leading up to the 2016 Olympics in Rio where he claimed his first Olympic title. He has now returned to the rural Derbyshire village to work with Main, who left his role as Aquatics GB national coach at the Bath Performance Centre to become Repton's director of swimming. Peaty's move coincided with his omission from the group of 57 elite British swimmers that will be supported by Aquatics GB throughout 2025. Having the multiple world champion and world record holder at the school has given its highly-regarded programme - which was represented by swimmers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games last year - a significant boost. "With Adam Peaty coming in, that is attracting interest from other senior swimmers, which the school is keen to support because it helps other swimmers, the young talent we have in the programme who rub shoulders with those experienced heads," Main said.
Peaty has 'unfinished business', says coach Main
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Adam Peaty Returns to Swimming with New Coach Jamie Main"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Three-time Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty has made a notable return to the pool, driven by what his new coach Jamie Main describes as 'unfinished business'. Peaty, a six-time Olympic medallist, faced significant challenges leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, including a silver-medal finish in the 100m breaststroke that left him questioning his future in the sport. The emotional toll of his performance, compounded by mental health struggles and a COVID-19 diagnosis just prior to the competition, fueled his decision to step back from swimming. However, Peaty's desire to set an example for his children and to reclaim his status in the sport led to his comeback. Main emphasized that Peaty's love for swimming has become evident since he announced his return, suggesting that he is motivated not only by personal goals but also by a commitment to inspire others.
Peaty's return coincided with a significant change in his coaching arrangements. After the departure of his long-time coach Mel Marshall, who relocated to Australia for career opportunities, Peaty chose to return to his previous training base at Repton School in Derbyshire. There, he is now training under Main, who transitioned from his role as Aquatics GB national coach to become the director of swimming at Repton. This move comes at a time when Peaty was not included in the group of elite British swimmers supported by Aquatics GB through 2025. Nonetheless, his presence at Repton has invigorated the school's swimming program and drawn interest from other senior swimmers, which is beneficial for the development of younger talents within the program. Main has expressed enthusiasm about the positive impact Peaty's involvement will have on both the school's reputation and the training environment for emerging athletes.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.