The wholesome moment emotional Team GB swimming icon Adam Peaty is consoled by his son and girlfriend Holly Ramsey after missing out on his fourth Olympic gold by 0.02 seconds

Adam Peaty was comforted by his loved ones in Paris after narrowly missing out on the fourth gold medal of his Olympic career.

The 29-year-old from Uttoxeter had to settle for silver in the men’s 100m breaststroke final as he finished 0.02 seconds behind Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi.

Peaty, who had won this event in Rio and Tokyo, where he also won a gold medal in the 4x100m medley, was spotted in the stands hugging his three-year-old son shortly after Sunday’s final.

He also hugged and kissed his girlfriend Holly Ramsey, the daughter of celebrity TV chef Gordon Ramsey.

Peaty revealed earlier this week that his son always asks him the same question: ‘Dad, are you the fastest boy?’

Peaty then kissed his girlfriend Holly Ramsey, the daughter of celebrity TV chef Gordon Ramsey

Team GB legend Peaty was emotional after the final but said he cried ‘tears of joy’

Although the answer to that question was ‘no’ on Sunday evening, Peaty declared himself satisfied with his latest Olympic mission.

“I did everything I could,” said the visibly emotional Team GB icon.

‘It’s not about the end goal, it’s about the process.

‘In my heart I have already won. I am not crying at all because I am second. These are tears of joy.

“I’m almost an older man here now. I can’t have that relentless pursuit without a sacrifice. It’s very difficult to compete with the young ones.”

Peaty’s mother Caroline, pictured with her grandson, was also among the crowd in Paris

Peaty finished second in the 100m breaststroke final on Sunday by a margin of just 0.02 seconds

After the race, Peaty (right) is pictured congratulating champion Nicolo Martinenghi (centre)

He added: ‘I’m so happy to be able to race against the best in the world and still finish joint second.

‘In my heart I won, these are tears of joy. I did my best every day and I can’t be angry about that.’