sport news Adam Peaty reveals swimming had 'BROKEN' him and he 'didn't want to see a pool ... trends now
Adam Peaty has revealed that he endured 'three years of hell' after suffering from depression and alcoholism and splitting from his girlfriend - but has now rediscovered his passion for swimming.
He admitted that he 'didn't want to see a pool again' after being 'broken' by the sport, turning to drinking and partying as an escape.
In 2022 his three-year relationship with Eirianedd Munro ended, as did his eight-year unbeaten streak in the pool, and he took a mental health break after the Commonwealth Games.
And now Peaty has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after winning the British 100m men's breaststroke title withhis quickest time since 2021.
Asked if he was back to his best, he said: 'I think so. A 57.9 is very good, still not where I want to be, but the first solid result where I am like, "Oh, not many people can do this."
Adam Peaty endured 'three years of hell' with depression, alcoholism, and a split from his girlfriend
However, Peaty is now on the up and has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, believing he is back to his best
'I felt so light in the water.
'This is a real win for my team, my family and myself. We have come through the past three years of hell. I didn't want to see a pool again. The sport had broken me.
'I didn't know what route to go down and so many things got in my way, but now I am waking up each day and enjoying my job.
'Who knows what the ending is going to be but I am having fun along the way. It may not end up as a fairytale, but it might.'
His time of 57.94 seconds was his quickest since he retained his Olympic title in 2021.
The 29-year-old has won three Olympic gold medals and two silvers and was unbeaten for eight years from 2014 to 2022.
However, he broke his foot in May 2022 and rushed back for the Commonwealth Games, where he could only finish fourth. He later stepped away from swimming to focus on his mental health.
In August 2022, he struggled with the breakdown of his relationship with Eirianedd Munro, the mother of his then-two-year-old son George.
Announcing the news via social media, Adam wrote: 'Eiri and George, I'm sorry for letting you down. My only interest is for the well-being of our family at this difficult time.'
In 2022, Peaty split from his girlfriend Eirianedd Munro after three years together and apologised for 'letting down' his partner and their son, George
The Olympic swimmer and former Strictly contestant took to Instagram to share the sad news with his followers
