With a tattoo of the Cross on his chest, British swimmer Adam Peaty believes in his god and the love he gets from his swimming mates in Team GB. Ultimately, this love for his compatriots has drawn the 29-year-old today to cheer Team GB’s achievement, despite having COVID. Yes, Adam Peaty is now having COVID. Just a day after his silver medal-winning men’s 100m breaststroke contest at the Paris Olympics, Team GB put out a statement on Peaty’s disease. Furthermore, his admission of feeling unwell in his throat in the post-match conversation had already added to the doubt. But now, keeping his suffering aside, the six-time Olympic medalist joined in a celebration. 

On Monday, Team GB’s swimming bunch won the men’s 4x200m free relay event at the Paris Olympics. The team composed of James Guy and Duncan Scott had a chance to hold Peaty in the final lineup. But his illness had kept him away from the squad. In the meantime, he didn’t miss wishing the team phenomenal success today. In his Instagram story, Adam Peaty shared the news of winning gold and added the emoji of the golden trophy five times on the post. Did that symbolize his entry as well, as being the fifth member of the relay team? Well, no one knows. But the concerted effort from the squad did not let his absence be felt in the water today. 

Today, the anticipation had already built with the presence of the names of Olympic medalists James Guy, Kieran Smith, Carson Foster, and Elijah Winnington in the pool. But the British top swimmer Duncan Scott-starring relay team proved to be heavy hitters. They took 6:59.43 to leave the American brigade behind. The hearty effort from Drew Kibler, Luke Hobson, Carson Foster, and Kieran Smith had to digest a fall in front of Team GB’s indomitable spirit. On the other hand, the Australian squad also entered the list of defeated ones. The victory tastes sweeter for another reason as well. 

Three years ago, Team GB could not make a place in the final list of the men’s 4x200m free relay event. The Chinese team had taken the top podium, whereas the USA and Australia had followed the same rankings as they claimed today. But this time, the seismic change was there with Team GB’s rise to the top. However, now the focus will be on Adam Peaty’s fitness. 

Yesterday, he lost the chance of touching Michael Phelps’ record to earn triple Olympic golds in the 100m breaststroke event. Today, he failed to be a part of history again. So, what’s next for him? 

Multiple events are at stake for Adam Peaty

In its statement on Adam Peaty’s COVID-19 infection, Team GB has informed us that all the precautions are already being taken. But now, a lot of things depend on his return chances. In Tokyo last time, the mixed 4x100m medley relay evoked certain fanfare, and Team GB rose to the occasion as the first gold medal winner of this event. Now, as the contest is drifting toward the business end, the title defense endeavor will start next Friday. Another event is also waiting down the line. 

On Saturday, Adam Peaty has a schedule to appear in the men’s 4x100m medley relay event. But as of now, things are standing on a fine line, judging the six-time Olympic medalist’s fitness. In such a complicated moment, he conceded, “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.” Team GB, as well, is now treading carefully on the matter of his fitness and will wait further to announce any replacement. So in the coming 4-5 days, all eyes will be on those updates.