I’m just going to go in and do the best I can and if that means coming second, third or fourth, then I’m happy with that because that’s my best on that day.
Peaty, who set a world record in the 100m breaststroke at Rio 2016, added: “I’m not scared to lose. I’m not scared to fail. I’m not scared to be myself.”
The swimmer also spoke about the importance of mental health and how he has learned to cope with his struggles.
He said: “As soon as you stop running from yourself, I think that’s when you start living your true self and your true life. And in sport terms, I think that’s when you’re most dangerous for everyone else because you’re just so at peace.”
Peaty’s journey to mental peace and self-acceptance has been a significant part of his career and his success in the pool. As he heads to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, he does so with a newfound sense of freedom and confidence in himself.
It will be exciting to see if he can achieve the historic three-peat in the 100m breaststroke and join the legendary Michael Phelps in the record books. Regardless of the outcome, Peaty’s resilience and determination are truly inspiring.