Glasgow: Ramsay-Peaty reflects on bronze medals at Commonwealth Games
Adam Ramsay-Peaty, a three-time Olympic champion, secured two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing third in both the 100m and 50m breaststroke events. Following his second bronze, Ramsay-Peaty expressed frustration with his performance, stating that “nothing makes sense” regarding his recent results.
In the 50m breaststroke final, Ramsay-Peaty finished in 26.94 seconds, placing behind Sam Williamson of Australia, who claimed gold in 26.50, and Michael Houlie of South Africa, who took silver in 26.77. This marked Williamson’s second gold, as he also triumphed in the 100m breaststroke. Ramsay-Peaty’s time was 0.44 seconds behind Williamson and 0.99 seconds off his own world record.
Ramsay-Peaty, 31, acknowledged that he is working hard but questioned the effectiveness of his training. He indicated a need to “adjust course” as his current approach is “not sustainable.” Despite his frustration, he maintained a positive outlook, noting that he has “come back from worse” and will continue to evaluate his progress.
Reflecting on Performance and Mindset
The English swimmer, previously unbeaten for eight years in the 100m breaststroke and holding world records in both the 100m and 50m events, admitted that his focus has shifted. He explained that during his undefeated period, it was “athlete first, then human,” but now it is “human first, then athlete.” Ramsay-Peaty described this change as “a very fair price to pay” and highlighted that his “superpower looks very different now,” referencing his family life.
He was visibly emotional after his 100m bronze medal finish on Saturday, but appeared less so after the 50m race. Ramsay-Peaty stated that he felt he “could have been a little quicker” in the 50m event and needs to understand why his power per stroke has diminished, especially since his training data has shown an upward trend this season. He described the situation as “very frustrating” because “something is not clicking.”
Ramsay-Peaty’s decision to continue in the sport was influenced by the inclusion of the 50m breaststroke in the 2028 Olympic schedule. He had previously suggested that the shorter distance would offer his best chance for a medal in Los Angeles given his age. He considers his two bronze medals at this championship since Paris 2024 Olympics a success, especially with relays still to come, and stated he would not be too hard on himself.
Training Adjustments and Other Results
After the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ramsay-Peaty initially trained at Repton in Derbyshire before moving back to London to work under the tutelage of Lisa Bates. He expressed satisfaction with his current training environment, stating he “couldn’t be happier.” He emphasized that significant improvements take time, noting that these things “don’t happen in three months; they happen in two years.”
In other swimming events at the Commonwealth Games, Brock Whiston of England secured a gold medal in the women’s 200m breaststroke SB8 final. Her 15-year-old team-mate, Iona Winnifrith, earned a bronze in the same event. Amalie Smith, 16, claimed a silver medal in the women’s 200m individual medley final. Additionally, the England quartet comprising Freya Colbert, Abbie Wood, Leah Schlosshan, and Freya Anderson won silver in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
During the same 50m breaststroke final, Archie Goodburn of Scotland received a significant ovation despite finishing tied last. Goodburn, 25, competed after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer two years prior. He has made it his mission to raise awareness about oligodendrogliomas, a condition that accounts for approximately 3% of all primary brain tumours and may mean he has only a decade to live. Goodburn has been using Vorasidenib, a new treatment designed to slow the spread of cancer, which has delayed the need for chemotherapy.
Goodburn expressed gratitude for the support from his friends, family, and the University of Edinburgh, and highlighted his advocacy for future patients, particularly those under 40, as brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in that age group in the UK. He believes advocacy groups are making a difference. Ramsay-Peaty’s bronze medal in the 50m breaststroke was secured by a margin of just 0.01 seconds over Chris Smith of South Africa.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
