Adam Peaty breaks his silence with emotional message to girlfriend Holly Ramsey after positive Covid test leaves his relay participation in doubt at Paris Olympics

Adam Peaty posted a message on Instagram on Monday evening, less than 24 hours after narrowly losing in the men’s 100m breaststroke final at Paris 2024.

Peaty had to settle for silver after finishing 0.02 seconds behind the new Olympic champion Nicolo Martinenghi.

It was later discovered that Peaty had been feeling unwell before the race and he has since tested positive for COVID.

The positive test puts his future participation in Paris 2024 in doubt, but Peaty is determined to recover in time to represent Team GB in the relay events later this week.

Peaty was part of the British team that won gold in the 4x100m medley and silver in the 4x100m medley in Tokyo.

Peaty has now tested positive for COVID, but he is determined to fight for more medals

Although he was the favourite to win on Sunday, Peaty wanted to celebrate his silver medal rather than regret his missed opportunity for a third straight gold medal.

The 29-year-old, who has a well-documented battle with alcohol and depression, began his Instagram post with the words: ‘A night full of pure emotion and sport in its true form.

‘These last 14 months have been incredibly trying and I don’t regret a training session or decision I’ve made. I’ve kept fighting and found new ways to enjoy something that has broken me to my core and to come out with an Olympic silver medal through it all is an absolute blessing.

“I am more proud of the man and athlete I became last night than I have been in my entire career.

‘Thank you to my coach of 15 years @melmarshallmassive. He was the light in the darkness and the guide when there was no way out. Your uncompromising, determined and positive attitude is truly inspiring and I couldn’t imagine a better coach.

“We’ve been to places that not many people will ever go and those memories will be with me until my last breath. It’s a real pleasure to share them with you.”

Nicolo Martinenghi (center) won gold on Sunday after finishing 0.02 seconds faster than Peaty

Peaty, 29, was visibly emotional after Sunday’s final at the Paris La Defense Arena

He then expressed his thanks to his girlfriend Holly Ramsey, the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey.

“Thanks to @hollyramsayy for being the best partner you could ever ask for through all of this,” he added.

‘It is never easy to deal with the challenges that come with being a professional athlete, given the emotional and physical toll it takes on us.

‘You are the support behind me, but also the best pruner of the tree, who always lets me know and helps me where I can improve. I can’t wait for the exciting future we have together.

‘Congratulations @nicolomartinenghi, enjoy this beautiful moment with your team and loved ones.

‘I am always an advocate for full transparency in sport as there are so many tools in place to make it all work. According to the British Olympic Association press release, I tested positive for COVID this morning after feeling unwell yesterday. I will now focus on a speedy, full recovery to give my best in the team relays later in the week.

‘I have received so many messages and I will get back to you all. Thank you for your support, it has been a truly unforgettable journey.

My heart is full.

Peaty pictured kissing her girlfriend Holly Ramsey after the 100m breaststroke final on Sunday

Ramsey (pictured in Rome this year) and Peaty went public with their relationship in July 2023

Peaty concluded his statement with a quote from the Bible.

It said, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.’

Ramsey responded to Peaty’s post with the following comment: ‘I love you, I am with you completely, now and forever.’