Adam Peaty
(Picture: Getty Images for The National Lo)Adam Peaty is one of the most prolific British swimmers in the sport today.
Not only a 50m and 100m world record holder, the 27 year old is also an eight time world, sixteen time European and four time Commonwealth Champion.
Alongside these accolades comes stellar Olympic performances to gild his ever-impressive CV: he was the first male British swimmer in 24 years to win gold in the 100m breaststroke in 2016. Two years ago, at the 2020 Tokyo games, Peaty swum to a gold medal once more, making him the first British swimmer to defend an Olympic title.
In all, Peaty has set an impressive 11 world records. This places him fifth, behind the likes of Michael Phelps and Aaron Peirsol, in the number of individual records set by male swimmers. His service to swimming has not gone unrecognised either; in 2017 he was appointed an MBE and subsequently an OBE in 2022.
With the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham here, Peaty has done it again, taking gold in the 50m breaststroke.
We caught him between laps at the pool to chat about his training routine, ongoing ambassadorial role at premium performance sportswear brand Castore, and a few of his favourite things.
What are you up to at the moment?
I’ve just finished competing in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Outside of training I’m being kept busy with my son George who is constantly on the go.
Why did you decide to become a brand ambassador for Castore?
I was drawn to Castore because I live by always being better than yesterday and this matches Castore’s ethos of ‘Better Never Stops’. It’s about continuously improving – they match this with the high quality products and materials that ensure I’m performing at my best.
What are your training essentials?
The Castore Layou vest is a favourite of mine for the gym - it’s super light so there’s zero distraction at training. I’ve almost always got music on so headphones or a speaker, and my phone is always with me too.
What are your desert island must-haves?
Music. I have an eclectic taste so a long playlist would be essential! I’d also take something to read; I really enjoy personal development books and autobiographies. If I was going to be there for a while I’d take something that I could also learn a new skill with.
What is the one item you can’t live without?
It would have to be my phone. It connects me with my family when I’m away training or competing and it’s my main source of listening to music.
With such a busy schedule, how do you relax and recover from intense training sessions?
I spend as much time as I can with my family and enjoy going for walks and getting out and about with them. If I’m recovering from a hard session I’ll make use of my Jacuzzi hot tub and listen to some chilled music to wind down.
What would be your advice to budding Olympians?
Always strive to be better than yesterday. Find something every day that you can improve on, even if it’s just one per cent, because it all adds up. Have consistency in training, because ultimately that will enable you to perform when it comes to that Olympic final.
