Adam Peaty is back in the pool and ready to make history. The three-time Olympic champion has confirmed he will compete at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, giving organizers a massive boost as they prepare for a scaled-down edition of the quadrennial event.
Peaty will be named in Team England’s 42-strong swimming squad on Tuesday, setting his sights on a fourth consecutive Commonwealth gold medal. It’s a remarkable comeback for the 31-year-old, who admitted he came close to quitting the sport after failing to defend his 100m breaststroke Olympic title in Paris. He described that period as a “self-destructive spiral,” battling injury and mental health struggles.
But a fresh perspective—and a new addition to his life—has reignited his fire. Peaty married model Holly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, in December, and even spent part of their honeymoon training in Australia with former coach Mel Marshall. The decision to add the shorter 50m breaststroke to the Los Angeles Olympic program has also given him renewed purpose.
Still, the road back hasn’t been easy. A fourth-place finish in his signature event at a meet in Edinburgh in March served as a stark reminder of the challenge ahead. True to form, Peaty responded by reclaiming both the British 50m and 100m breaststroke titles last month, posting times that currently rank him No. 1 in the Commonwealth this season.
“Being selected to represent your country is always an honour, and there is something special about a home Commonwealth Games,” said Peaty. “This event also marks a significant milestone in my international career, which began in Glasgow 12 years ago at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. I’m particularly excited to compete in Scotland this summer because I know everyone will come together to make it a brilliant occasion.”
With four Commonwealth golds and three silvers already to his name, Peaty is aiming to become the first British swimmer to win titles at four separate Games. For context, South African legend Chad Le Clos won seven golds between 2010 and 2018 but just missed the top spot in Birmingham four years ago.
As the oldest member of England’s swim team, Peaty will be joined by fellow Olympians in a squad that blends experience with youthful ambition. For fans of swimming—and sport in general—this summer’s Commonwealth Games just got a whole lot more exciting.