Adam Ramsay-Peaty has expressed his bewilderment after securing another bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Following a third-place finish in the 100m breaststroke on Saturday, the three-time Olympic champion again took bronze in the 50m event.
The English swimmer, who was emotional after his earlier defeat, appeared less so this time but still questioned his inability to achieve his best times. He stated that he is working intensely, and if results mirrored his effort, they would be significantly better. Ramsay-Peaty acknowledged the need to reassess his approach, describing the current situation as “rough seas” that are not sustainable.
Despite his recent performances, Ramsay-Peaty remains committed to the sport, noting that he has overcome challenges before. He is considered the greatest breaststroker of all time, having maintained an unbeaten record in the 100m for eight years and holding world records in both the 100m and 50m events. He was the defending Commonwealth champion in the 50m and chose to continue competing because the event was added to the 2028 Olympic schedule.
After finishing in 26.94 seconds in the 50m final, 0.44 seconds behind Australia’s Sam Williamson, Ramsay-Peaty expressed disappointment with his time. He remarked that “nothing makes sense this week,” indicating a struggle to understand his performance levels.
A shift in perspective
Ramsay-Peaty’s recent results have led to a change in his perspective on his career. He acknowledged that during his eight-year undefeated period, he prioritised being an athlete first, then a human. Now, he views it as “human first, then athlete,” a shift he considers a fair trade-off.
When asked about regaining his “superpower,” Ramsay-Peaty suggested his current “superpower” involves juggling family life, including babies and a toddler. He affirmed his commitment as a professional athlete and his competitive mentality, but noted a need for a different approach. He reflected on the cost of constantly winning and indicated that it is not always worth it now.
Ramsay-Peaty was seen smiling after the 50m breaststroke final, despite needing a late surge to secure his bronze medal. His time of 26.94 seconds was just 0.01 seconds ahead of Chris Smith of South Africa. This time was 0.99 seconds off Ramsay-Peaty’s world record. Sam Williamson secured gold in 26.50, adding to his 100m breaststroke victory, while South Africa’s Michael Houlie took silver in 26.77.
He admitted to frustration with his recent performances, stating that “something is not clicking.” However, he also highlighted that achieving two bronze medals in his first championship since the Paris 2024 Olympics, with relays still to come, can be considered a success. He emphasised the importance of maintaining perspective and not being overly critical of himself.
Training and other results
Ramsay-Peaty previously dominated events under the guidance of Mel Marshall, who relocated to Australia in 2024. Following the Paris 2024 Olympics, he began training at Repton in Derbyshire before moving back to London to train under Lisa Bates. He expressed contentment with his current training environment, stating he “couldn’t be happier.” He stressed the importance of ensuring hard work is directed effectively, noting that significant changes take time, often around two years, and require continued investment.
In other events, England’s Brock Whiston claimed gold in the women’s 200m breaststroke SB8 final. Her 15-year-old team-mate Iona Winnifrith earned a bronze medal in the same event. Amalie Smith, 16, secured silver in the women’s 200m individual medley final. The English quartet of Freya Colbert, Abbie Wood, Leah Schlosshan, and Freya Anderson also won silver in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
During the same race, Archie Goodburn of Scotland received a significant ovation despite finishing tied last. The 25-year-old competed after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer two years prior. Goodburn, who has oligodendrogliomas, a type of brain tumour, has made it his mission to raise awareness about the condition. He described the reception as “monumental” and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from friends, family, and the University of Edinburgh over the past year.
Goodburn began using Vorasidenib, a new treatment designed to slow the spread of cancer, last year, which has delayed the need for chemotherapy. He advocates for his own life and for “future Archies,” including young patients and those under the age of 40 with brain cancer. Brain cancer is identified as the leading cause of cancer deaths for individuals under 40 in the UK.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
