The fastest 100m breaststroke swimmer in history and Olympic favourite on his anger with dopers, his aims in Tokyo and becoming a father
Adam Peaty, the son of a bricklayer from Uttoxeter, often feels like “a god” as he approaches the deep blue pool where he dominates his Olympic event. Peaty has set the 20 fastest times ever swum in the history of the 100m breaststroke. It is a staggering statistic that captures the extent of Peaty’s supremacy and explains why he is regarded as Team GB’s one overwhelming favourite to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
On a quiet Saturday morning at home Peaty takes off his shirt to soak up the sunshine in his garden. He then reveals why, beyond his extraordinary swimming, he is one of the most interesting sportsmen in Britain. Having recently become the father to a mixed-race baby, as his girlfriend Eiri Munro is an artist of Nigerian descent, Peaty talks about racism and prejudice. He reflects on suffering and doubt, rages against doping in sport and tries to live in the moment. Peaty can also talk about so many kinds of music, from grime to classical, while displaying a clear intelligence and lightness of touch not usually associated with an Olympic giant.
