Olympics 2024: Chasing Michael Phelps’ Record, Britain’s Adam Peaty Details His Plans for Paris

Michael Phelps left the Olympic platform more than 7 years ago, after the Rio occasion. With that, the “Flying Fish” left tons of memories and a truckload of achievements that can motivate the swimmers for generations. In recent times, French swimmer Leon Marchand has come out to be one being a proverbial chaser of Phelps’ records. However, British Olympian Adam Peaty has posed his nomination as well to touch one phenomenal record by Michael Phelps. 

In a recent conversation with BBC Sport, the British swimmer rejoiced about the greatness Michael Phelps used to hold in the swimming periphery. Moreover, the confident swimmer showcased his glee after finding his place in the British contingent for the Paris Olympics. So, when asked about his goal afterward, the 29-year-old talked about touching Michael Phelps’ feat of achieving gold medals in the same Olympic event in consecutive three years. Adam Peaty’s Paris Olympic appearance can fulfill that dream. 

In the 100m breaststroke event, Peaty holds two gold medals from the last two Olympic occasions – Rio and Tokyo. So, in detailing his aim for the next one, the Commonwealth Games champion said, “to make three in a row”. Furthermore, he revealed the goal by narrating, “I will be one of the five to do it”. Having said so, Michael Phelps’ record came to a different swimming event. 

In the 200m individual medley, Michael Phelps holds four Olympic gold medals from consecutive Olympic games. However, making three gold medals in the same Olympic events is nothing less than a mountainous job. But for Adam Peaty, his reigning over 100m breaststroke event has almost made him synonymous with the event. That might give him an edge over the competitors in the French capital. 

Akin to Michael Phelps, Adam Peaty is nothing less than a royalty 

Long before facing challenges in 2023, Adam Peaty drew an uncanny similarity with Michael Phelps in his stance just before entering the pool for a competition. Meanwhile, the British swimming giant has also remained vocal in raising awareness of mental depression among athletes just like Phelps. With his eyes set on gold, Peaty fulfilled his Paris dream earlier this month by storming to victory at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in London, posting the fastest time of the year in the world in the process.

After a dismal 2023 season, Adam Peaty resurrected his swimming paddles in London by posting the world-leading time in 100m breaststroke. Moreover, the swimmer also claimed bronze in Doha World Aquatics this year. Such numbers speak volumes regarding Peaty’s high chance in the Paris Olympics. Still, he will need to focus on opponents like Qin Haiyang to solidify his claim over Michael Phelps’ record.