NANTERRE, France — British sports officials have announced that three-time Olympic gold medalist Adam Peaty has tested positive for COVID-19. The confirmation of Adam Peaty’s COVID-positive status came just a day after he competed in the 100-meter breaststroke final in Paris, where he interacted closely with other athletes, including American swimmer Nic Fink.
“In the hours after the final, Peaty’s symptoms worsened, prompting a COVID test early on Monday morning,” Team Great Britain stated. “He tested positive at that point.” The statement also mentioned that Peaty had been experiencing symptoms of illness on Sunday before competing and interacting with other athletes. “Adam Peaty was feeling unwell on Sunday ahead of his men’s 100-meter breaststroke final,” the statement noted.
NPR reached out to Team GB to inquire why Adam Peaty wasn’t tested sooner or isolated, but received no response.
Peaty broke no Olympic COVID rules, because there are none
There are currently no COVID-specific health regulations at the Paris Summer Olympics. This marks a significant deviation from the stringent COVID-19 protocols enforced during the Tokyo Games in 2021 and the Beijing Winter Games in 2022. On Sunday night, while standing on the medal podium, Peaty embraced Italian gold medalist Martinenghi and silver medalist Nic Fink.
After the race, Peaty sat close to other athletes at a press conference where he expressed concerns. “We been dealt a few hands, especially the last few days, that affected my hundred percent,” he said. “That’s not an excuse at all.”
USA Swimming spokesperson Jake Gosser stated that U.S. sports officials and doctors are monitoring the situation closely. “We’re working with team doctors to take necessary precautions,” said Gosser. However, he couldn’t confirm whether Fink, who is not currently isolating, has been tested for COVID.
Meanwhile, British sports officials remain hopeful that Peaty can recover in time to compete in upcoming events later this week. “The situation is being managed appropriately,” the British team statement said, “with all usual precautions being taken
