Adam Peaty exclusive: 'I’ve cracked the code' – Team GB star ready for shot at Olympic history
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Updated 17/04/2024 at 09:33 GMT
Adam Peaty is one of 10 elite Olympians featuring in a new original documentary, The Olympians – available to watch on Wednesday at 17:45 UK time on Eurosport 1 and discovery+. Peaty says he has “cracked the code” in training ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he will attempt to become the first man to win three 100m breaststroke titles in a row.
The Olympians – Triple Olympic champion Adam Peaty
Adam Peaty says he has “cracked the code” and found a training model which could put him on course to make history at the Paris Olympics, which starts in 100 days.
Peaty will attempt to become the first man to win three straight Olympic 100m breaststroke titles when he enters the brand new aquatics centre in Saint Denis.
He recently won the British title in 57.94s in what represented a return to form for the 29-year-old, who had to settle for bronze at the World Championships in February after making his comeback last autumn, having taken time out to deal with depression and alcohol problems.
Having won gold in Rio and Tokyo, where he was also part of the winning 100m mixed relay team, Peaty has been trying to reinvent his training regime to keep himself motivated for the challenge ahead.
He will face a tough challenge in Paris, with China’s Qin Haiyang keen to take both the Olympic title and world record away from him, while USA’s world champion Nic Fink will also be a leading contender.
“I like this model, this model for me is almost perfect,” Peaty said on the The Olympians, an original 60-minute documentary giving fans an access-all-areas pass into the lives of 10 elite Olympians. It will be broadcast on Wednesday at 17:45 UK time on Eurosport 1 and discovery+ to mark 100 days to go until the Paris Games.
“I think I’ve cracked the code of balance, but also being able to train really hard for a long period of time. Knowing when I burn out, or I'm pushing too hard, and listening to my team at the same time.
“I’m much more responsible with my own energy and my own training, and I’m more accountable to go ‘okay, I don’t need to go fast here, I can go slow here so tomorrow I can go fast’.
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‘The greatest!’ - Peaty powers to 100m breaststroke gold
“What gets me up is competition. It’s hard enough to win Olympic gold, to do it again after that is 100 times harder because you have to find new motivations or disciplines, a new way around to the model.
“The third time - literally no one does that because it’s such a long period of time, we’re talking 12 years to maintain form, the model changes every year and it’s trying to figure out what gives you the best performance in that year, that’s what counts.”
Peaty says burnout was a factor behind his time out of the sport, but he has also spoken openly about his issues outside of the pool, telling The Times in April last year that he found himself in a “self-destructive spiral”.
Part of his alcohol abuse was put down to a feeling of loneliness, but speaking to BMX star Matthias Dandois for Eurosport, he says that is something he has learned to deal with and embrace.
“I think it’s a lot to do with my mentality now. As much as I love my team, it’s an individual sport,” he said.
“I can’t rely on other people to carry my load. I have to find my own way to success. As soon as you realise you’re alone, that gives you freedom and peace.
“It’s a bit weird that I like to put myself in that pain but I’m so used to it, I’ve done it for 18 years, it’s all my body and mind knows.
“The harder you work, and be more consistent with that work, the better and more successful you will be. I get very, very bored if it’s too easy. It has to be hard, all the time.”
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