Team GB confirm Adam Peaty decision after catching Covid at Olympics | Other | Sport
Adam Peaty will miss Team GB’s mixed 4×100 medley relay heats on Friday after testing positive for Covid at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Briton was diagnosed with the illness on Monday, less than 24 hours after he won a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke. The world record holder has spent two days on bed rest and has been deemed not to be well enough take part in the race.
The 29-year-old will now be replaced by James Wilby, who will take on the breaststroke leg in Peaty’s absence. Wilby finished 11th-fastest in the 100m breaststroke semi-finals and missed out on the final.
The British Olympic Association (BOA) released a statement which read: “Adam Peaty began feeling unwell on Sunday, ahead of his men’s 100m breaststroke final.
“In the hours after the final, his symptoms became worse and he was tested for Covid early on Monday morning. He tested positive at that point.
“He is hopeful to be back in competition for the relay events later in the swimming programme. As in any case of illness, the situation is being managed appropriately, with all usual precautions being taken to keep the wider delegation healthy.”
It means that Team GB will line up with Kathleen Dawson, Joe Litchfield and Anna Hopkin alongside Wilby as they aim to defend their Olympic title in Friday’s heats.
However, missing the heats does not spell the end of Peaty’s hopes of featuring in Saturday’s final, assuming that defending champions Team GB qualify for. the event.
He could also compete in the men’s 4x100m medley relay which begins on Saturday. Much will depend on whether Peaty is fit enough to race and whether the coaches decide to use him.
The Yorkshire-born swimmer hinted he could return to the water after posting an image on social showing himself getting back into the swimming pool.
Posting an Instagram story on Wednesday, Peaty captioned the post: “Back in the water with the French public today (2 days of bed rest).”
Peaty may not be the only last-minute substitution for Team GB in the final if they get there. One of the British squad’s best freestylers, Matt Richards, Tom Dean, Duncan Scott or James Guy – who won gold in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay – will likely replace Litchfield if they qualify for the final.
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