Adam Peaty's staggering act amid 'arrogant' furore at Comm Games
Adam Peaty has apologised for his comments about the Commonwealth Games after winning the 50m breaststroke gold in stunning fashion on Tuessday.
British swimming king Peaty caused a stir on the weekend after his undefeated run in the 100m breaststroke came to an end.
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Peaty had won every gold in the event since his first major competition in 2014, but finished fourth in the Commonwealth Games after a comeback from a broken foot 10 weeks ago.
Following the disappointment, Peaty attempted to downplay the result.
“It doesn’t feel amazing, but it doesn’t feel bad either,” Peaty said to the BBC after the race.
“It’ll probably be my last attempt tomorrow, but I’m not bothered about it. The Commonwealths to me, in the grand scheme of things... it’s about two years time (the Olympics).
“That’s no disrespect. I’m still four weeks into my program, I can’t put that expectation on myself.”
Peaty's comments were widely slammed for belittling the Commonwealth Games and his opponents.
They were labelled 'disrespectful' and 'arrogant', but many also felt sympathy for the athlete who was going through the emotions of competition.
Adam Peaty being so disrespectful about the games and to his fellow swimmers ! So arrogant !#CommonwealthGames2022
— Iscarider (@Iscarider) August 1, 2022
Blasé and arrogant is how I’d describe Adam Peaty atm, no need to take this attitude. Why enter if you don’t want to win? Tbh I often think he’s overrated. #CommonwealthGames2022
— Alan S (@ronan367) August 1, 2022
Adam Peaty has totally gone down in my estimations after that interview. So disrespectful to all those that have won medals and do think they count.
— Jo (@Josneat) August 1, 2022
Adam Peaty's huge statement after apology
Peaty took to social media, after the comments garnered attention, and appeared to clarify his comments.
However, he made an even bigger statement in his next race.
Peaty warned his rivals he was like a cornered lion ready to "bite" back and duly claimed the only major gold medal missing from his vast collection after touching the wall first in 26.76 seconds in the 50m on Wednesday.
"I'm a much happier man. I had two options this morning, I either fight or I don't. If anyone knows me, I fight," Peaty told BBC Sport.
"That means so much. I lost my spark at the start of the week and to have it back now, this is what it's about.
Adam Peaty broke his foot in May and just won Commonwealth Games GOLD in the 50 breaststroke with a 26.76 two and a half months later 🥇
Absolutely insane... pic.twitter.com/8Q5mSUBf5T— Kyle Sockwell (@kylesockwell) August 2, 2022
"That was the only one I hadn't won in my career, the Commonwealth 50. So I can retire now.
"No, no, but I'm very happy with my progress there."
After touching the wall in first place, Peaty was full of emotion and later apologised for his comments regarding the Commonwealth Games.
"I want to be accountable for that (comment). It came across very wrong, a lot of emotions and yesterday I just turned up," he said.
"But people have got to understand, sport is like this (with a downward sweep of his arm), and I reached the bottom of the bottom yesterday.
"To bring myself up with the crowd, bring myself up in my own mind, that's the result."
with AAP
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