Adam Peaty Withdraws From World Championship Trials To Continue Focus On Mental Health Recovery

ADam Peaty 2021 Europeans
Adam Peaty: Photo Courtesy: Deepbluemedia/Insidefoto

Adam Peaty Withdraws From World Championship Trials To Continue Focus On Mental Health Recovery

Adam Peaty has withdrawn from the British Championships – which double as world trials – in Sheffield next month as he looks to continue recovering from mental health issues.
Although there is no confirmation as to whether he will or will not attend the World Championships in Fukuoka, the focus for the three-time Olympic champion is on his mental health and then to Paris in 2024.
In a statement to Instagram, the three-time Olympic champion said:
“Everyone wants to sit in your seat until they have to sit in your seat… very few people understand what winning and success does to an individual’s mental health. They don’t understand the pressures these individual’s put on themselves, to win over and over again.

“As some people may know, I’ve struggled with my mental health over the last few years and I think it’s important to be honest about it. I’m tired, I’m not myself and I’m not enjoying the sport as I have done for the last decade.

“Some might recognise it as burnout; I just know that over the last few years I haven’t had the answers that I’m looking for. With help, now I know how I can address the imbalance in my life.

“Whilst I am continuing to train, I have decided to withdraw from the British Swimming Championships next month.

“This is with the sole purpose of delivering the best performance possible in Paris at the 2024 Olympic Games.”

He added:

“I’m hugely grateful for all the support I am receiving from my team and family at British Swimming along with my incredible sponsors, family and friends.

“As always, I thank the swimming community and beyond for the incredible support I’ve forever received. This sport has given me everything I am and I’m looking forward to finding the love I have for it again.”

 

British Swimming performance director Chris Spice said:

“We are all fully behind Adam and his decision to withdraw from the British Championships. The wellbeing of our athletes remains the single most important focus for us as an organisation, and our dedicated team of practitioners are always there for any athlete who require or ask for that support.

“Adam has given so much to British Swimming and the sport as a whole over the past decade through unmatched levels of dedication, and we hope this time can be a valuable source of physical and mental replenishment for him.

“He is an incredible leader within our team and has set the bar so high with his unwavering commitment to excellence in all that he does.

“We are working closely with Adam and his team to support his recovery in every way possible.”

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Bethanie
Bethanie
1 year ago

Very proud of you. Way to set a positive example for all current and future elite athletes. I wish you the best in your journey.

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