Adam Peaty breaks silence after testing positive for Covid and posts emotional tribute to partner Holly Ramsay
ADAM PEATY paid tribute to partner Holly Ramsay in an emotional social media post after testing positive for Covid.
The Team GB superstar, 29, received his positive test this morning, just hours after earning a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke at Paris 2024.
After feeling unwell prior to last night’s final, during which he lost by 0.02 seconds to Italian Nicolo Martinenghi, Peaty‘s symptoms worsened.
He was then tested this morning, with results revealing that he is suffering from Covid.
After Team GB confirmed Peaty’s positive test, the three-time Olympic gold medallist put out a lengthy statement of his own on Instagram.
He wrote: “A night full of raw emotion and sport in its true form.
“These last 14 months have been incredibly testing and I do not regret one training session or decision I made.
“I’ve continued to fight and find new ways to enjoy something that has broken me to the core and to end up with an Olympic silver through all of that is an absolute blessing.
“I’m more proud of the man and athlete I am from last night than I have been across my entire career.”
Peaty then wrote an emotional tribute to long-time coach Melanie Marshall, before offering a similarly heartfelt message for girlfriend Holly Ramsay, 24.
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What happens next?
If Adam Peaty had tested positive in Tokyo three years ago, it would have been the end of his Games and he would have been quarantined in an Olympic hospital before being sent home.
Things have changed a great deal since and there are no restrictions or special measures attached to positive tests at the Paris Games.
Team GB chiefs will adopt a “common sense” approach, with Peaty and those around him urged to adopt a sensible “hands and face” approach, using antiseptic cleansers.
But there is no need for Peaty to isolate or even to notify Games bosses – although the Team GB announcement will let the world know of his illness.
Peaty will be cleared to compete again as soon as he feels ready to perform, although it seems more likely that he would not take part in the qualifying rounds of either of the relay events he is due to participate in.
But with head of performance services Greg Rutter having worked overtime to minimise risk throughout the British squads at their various Paris bases, there are at this stage no concerns of a spread of the infection.
He wrote: “Thank you to @hollyramsayy who has been the best partner anyone could have in all of this.
“It’s never easy to undertake the challenges of living with a professional athlete with the emotional and physical toll it takes on us.
“You are the support behind me but also the best pruner of the tree, always letting me know and helping me where I can be better.
“I can’t wait for the exciting future we have together.”
After sportingly congratulating Martinenghi on his gold medal triumph, Peaty then addressed his Covid diagnosis.
He continued: “I am always an advocate for complete transparency in sport as there are so many gears to make it all work.
“As per the British Olympic Association press release, I tested positive for Covid this morning after feeling unwell yesterday.
“I’ll now be focusing on a fast, full recovery to give my best in the team relays later in the week.
“I’ve had so many messages and I’ll get back to you all, thank you for your support as it has truly been an unforgettable journey.
“My heart is full.”
Holly commented on Peaty’s post: “I love you, with you all the way now and forever.”
Adam Peaty's post in full
A night full of raw emotion and sport in its true form. These last 14 months have been incredibly testing and I do not regret one training session or decision I made. I’ve continued to fight and find new ways to enjoy something that has broken me to the core and to end up with an Olympic silver through all of that is an absolute blessing. I’m more proud of the man and athlete I am from last night than I have been across my entire career.
Thank you to my coach of 15 years @melmarshallmassive who has been the light in the darkness and the guide when there was no path to follow; your uncompromising, firm and positive attitude is truly inspiring and I can’t think of a better person to be my coach. We have gone to places not many people will ever go and those memories will be with me until my last breath – a true pleasure to share them with you.
Thank you to @hollyramsayy who has been the best partner anyone could have in all of this. It’s never easy to undertake the challenges of living with a professional athlete with the emotional and physical toll it takes on us. You are the support behind me but also the best pruner of the tree, always letting me know and helping me where I can be better. I can’t wait for the exciting future we have together.
Congratulations to @nicolomartinenghi enjoy this beautiful moment with your team and loved ones.
I am always an advocate for complete transparency in sport as there are so many gears to make it all work. As per the British Olympic Association press release, I tested positive for COVID this morning after feeling unwell yesterday. I’ll now be focusing on a fast, full recovery to give my best in the team relays later in the week.
I’ve had so many messages and I’ll get back to you all, thank you for your support as it has truly been an unforgettable journey.
My heart is full.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Prior to his positive Covid test, Peaty said of his illness last night: “I had a curveball this morning with my throat and stuff.
“You can train eight years for something and not feel 100 per cent on a day. And 100 per cent costs you 0.02 and that’s just the way.
“But I don’t ever want that to be an excuse. That’s the cards I was dealt.
“I won’t be going home thinking about that, even if it feels like a hangover in the morning because of the emotions.
“Getting here was a big achievement. It’s not sad at all.”
After the race, Peaty went to hug Holly and three-year-old son George.
On what he said to his little boy, the Team GB superstar revealed: “George normally goes, ‘Daddy, are you the fastest boy?’ and I would’ve said, ‘Not today’.
“But he says, ‘I love you Daddy’ And that’s all I care about.”
Peaty hopes to return to action later in the Games.
He does not need to isolate, and will be cleared to compete again as soon as he feels ready.
His next final is due to be on Saturday as he is planning to help defend GB’s mixed 4x100m medley relay title, with the 4x100m men’s medley relay the following night.
