“No Pressure”: Despite Chasing Michael Phelps’ Record, British Swimmer Adam Peaty Relishes “Underdog” Status

When it comes to swimmers, matching the elite status of Michael Phelps is usually at the top of the list. Despite retiring 8 years ago, the Flying Fish continues to be the hallmark standard in competitive swimming, but one British swimmer is on the verge of being in the same league with the American phenom. And yet, Adam Peaty’s chances of becoming the second person in history to win the gold medal in the same event in three consecutive Olympics is a topic that sparks vehement debates among connoisseurs.

After being on the sidelines for most of 2022 and 2023, Peaty qualified for the 2024 Olympics by winning gold at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in the men’s 100m breaststroke event. However, even the defending Olympic gold medalist believes the challenge ahead is a difficult one, but not without its perks.

Is a three-peat a distant dream for Adam Peaty?

In a recent interview with BBC, as revealed in an online article, Adam Peaty talked about his feelings ahead of the big rumble at the French capital later this year. While many would think that a swimmer would have to keep stern control on their nerves with the prospect of matching Michael Phelps’ record, Peaty dismisses such a notion candidly. “There’s no pressure really on me.” the 29-year-old said, noting how his last two years made many speculate his chances of receiving the baton from the Baltimore Bullet.

However, Peaty also said that he enjoys the challenge, and the desire to prove the naysayers wrong is a strong emotion that helps him to keep his head in the game. “I’ve been the underdog and I enjoy being an underdog, I enjoy fighting my way through the rounds.” confessed the eight-time World Championships gold medalist.

In April this year, Peaty talked about how matching Phelps would be a milestone for him, for understandable reasons. With all the hard work he’s put in, he also said that the Christian faith has helped him find “peace” and look forward to the big prize that awaits him, should he go on to clinch another gold in the 100m breaststroke in Paris.

Overcoming anger – a la the Peaty edition

After his temporary absence from the swimming pool in 2022, Peaty has had to deal with his own mental health crisis more than anything else. Being angry at himself for continuously chasing Olympic gold and world records, he found it difficult to maintain composure at times. However, here too, the Brit and Phelps stand on similar grounds as the former took his time to understand why being level-headed is essential to continue pushing the limits. Both Phelps and Peaty are known for advocating for mental health, and Peaty does seem to be more collected than in the last three years.

Battling depression and alcohol problems, the journey back to the highest level of competition hasn’t been an easy feat for Peaty. However, now that he seems to be back in his natural habitat, fans wait with bated breath to see if he indeed has what it takes to be considered in the same circle as one of the true legends of the sport.