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 took to Instagram on Monday evening, just under 24 hours on from his narrow defeat in the final of the men’s 100m breaststroke event at Paris 2024.

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

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

That positive test has put his further participation at 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 GB team that won gold in the 4x100m mixed medley and silver in the 4×100 medley in Tokyo.

Adam Peaty won a silver medal for Team GB in the men’s 100m breaststroke final on Sunday

Peaty has since tested positive for COVID but he is determined to compete for more medals

Despite being the favourite to win on Sunday, Peaty was keen to celebrate his silver medal, rather than rue his missed opportunity for a third straight gold.

The 29-year-old – who has fought a well-documented fight against alcohol and depression – began his post on Instagram by writing: ‘A night full of raw emotion and sport in its true form.

‘These last 14 months have been incredibly testing and I do not regret one training session or decision I made. I’ve continued to fight and find new ways to enjoy something that has broken me to the core and to end up with an Olympic silver through all of that is an absolute blessing.

‘I’m more proud of the man and athlete I am from last night than I have been across my entire career.

‘Thank you to my coach of 15 years @melmarshallmassive who has been the light in the darkness and the guide when there was no path to follow; your uncompromising, firm and positive attitude is truly inspiring and I can’t think of a better person to be my coach.

‘We have gone to places not many people will ever go and those memories will be with me until my last breath – a true pleasure to share them with you.’

Nicolo Martinenghi (centre) won gold on Sunday after being 0.02 seconds quicker than Peaty

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

He then expressed his gratitude to girlfriend Holly Ramsey, who is the daughter of famous chef Gordon Ramsey.

‘Thank you to @hollyramsayy who has been the best partner anyone could have in all of this,’ he added.

‘It’s never easy to undertake the challenges of living with a professional athlete with the emotional and physical toll it takes on us.

‘You are the support behind me but also the best pruner of the tree, always letting me know and helping me where I can be better. I can’t wait for the exciting future we have together.

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

‘I am always an advocate for complete transparency in sport as there are so many gears to make it all work. As per the British Olympic Association press release, I tested positive for COVID this morning after feeling unwell yesterday. I’ll now be focusing on a fast, full recovery to give my best in the team relays later in the week.

‘I’ve had so many messages and I’ll get back to you all, thank you for your support as it has truly been an unforgettable journey.

‘My heart is full.’

Peaty pictured kissing girlfriend Holly Ramsey following Sunday’s 100m breaststroke final

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

Peaty then concluded his statement by quoting a verse from the Bible.

It read: ‘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 replied to Peaty’s post by commenting: ‘I love you, with you all the way now & forever’.