Progression of Adam Peaty During World Cup a Positive Sign on Road to 2028 Olympics
As Adam Peaty departed the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the British legend owned another medal from his work in the 100-meter breaststroke. After winning back-to-back titles in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, Peaty secured a silver medal in the French capital to further his status as one of the greats in the sport.
Would we see Peaty as the next Olympics? It was a legitimate question. With nothing left to prove, and a Hall of Fame nod in his future, retirement was an undeniable option for the veteran. But when the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of the 50-meter stroke events for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Peaty was one of the first athletes to laud the decision. More, the six-time Olympic medalist didn’t take long to confirm his commitment to another Olympiad.
If nothing else, the early stages of that pursuit have delivered positive results.
Following a year away from elite competition, Peaty returned to action this month at the World Cup circuit in North America. While racing at all three stops of the short-course tour, the Brit produced promising performances, and spoke of a level of enjoyment that he hasn’t known for quite a while. These days, as Peaty endures workouts designed for a 30-year-old body, he is also enjoying the journey.
At the opening stop of the World Cup tour in Carmel (Ind.), Peaty posted a 10th-place finish in the 100 breaststroke (58.27) and a sixth-place effort in the 50 breaststroke (26.43). There was improvement at the second leg of the series in Westmont (Ill.), with Peaty claiming fourth in both the 100 breaststroke (57.00) and 50 breaststroke (26.10).
During the final stop in Toronto, Peaty was turned in his best times of the series. In addition to a runnerup finish in the 100 breaststroke (56.59), he was second in the 50 breaststroke (25.87) and extended himself to the 200 breaststroke, where he picked placed seventh in 2:07.48.
Next year is a hybrid campaign for the sport, as it is the lone season of the Quad without a global championship. For Peaty, who is training with coach Jamie Mann at the Repton School, the focus will be on the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. The equation also emphasizes moving toward LA28 in a fashion that suits him both physically and mentally.
“I’m really loving what we’re doing,” Peaty said. “I love the craft. And I think for me that’s going to give me longevity toward L.A.”
