Adam Peaty wins gold at Commonwealth Games after…

Adam Peaty wins gold at Commonwealth Games after apologising for ‘disrespectful’ remarks

Swimming star Adam Peaty has bounced back in style after winning gold in the 50m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games.

The win was a triumph for the Olympic champion after suffering disappointment on Monday when he was beaten in the final of the 100m breaststroke, finishing in fourth place. But Adam drew criticism from some viewers for his remarks about the games on the day.

The star, who was also a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing last year, was accused of being “a little bit blasé” by interviewer Sharron Davies during a poolside interview. Adam told Sharron that it was a case of “job done, back to bed” after emerging victorious in the 50m breaststroke semi-finals, adding: “it doesn't feel amazing, but it doesn't feel bad either.”

Former world champion swimmer Mark Foster branded the marks “a bit disrespectful”, saying: “It does matter, it's the Commonwealth Games, it's a multi-sport event and I think when he was growing up, the Commonwealth Games would have been a big deal. But the fact that he's won lots of Worlds and Olympic Games, maybe he's trying to play it down to himself that it doesn't matter."

Following the backlash, 27-year-old Adam posted an apology for his remarks on Twitter. Thanking fans for their support, he wrote: “It has been an incredibly hard time the past few months but mostly the last few days.

27-year-old Olympic champion Adam Peaty was hailed as 'king of the pool' after his win (Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)

“Sometimes in the heat of the moment my emotions better me and I can’t speak with a clear mind,” he added. “These championships mean a lot to me being a home games but I have to think bigger picture to keep my spirits high. It really, really isn’t easy.”

Adam’s sentiments about the Commonwealth Games appeared vastly different as he took home gold the following day. After coming in first place in the 50m breaststroke, an emotional Adam was seen beaming before climbing onto the dividing rope and giving a roaring cheer after his victory as the crowd went wild.

But some viewers remained critical of the swimmer after his remarks yesterday. “I bet it’s not ‘only the Commonwealth Games’ when he’s getting a medal out of it,” one person tweeted.

However, the majority of fans rushed to congratulate the swimmer on his deserved win. “Fabulous swim by Adam Peaty. A truly remarkable athlete,” one said.

Others dubbed Adam “the greatest breaststroke swimmer of all time” and “king of the pool”. One person praised: “To come back like that from disappointment, and at an event he so wanted to win - that’s what champions are made of.”

Former BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker said: “The man is a machine. A true champion… 10 weeks after breaking his foot.”

Adam said in an post-swim interview with BBC Sport that he had “reached the bottom of the bottom” after his defeat in the 100m breaststroke - and joked that he could now “retire” after finally winning the 50m, the only race he had not yet won during his career. “I’m so glad I got that loss earlier in the week, because these wins now feel so much more alive and so much better,” he said.

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here