Team GB’s Adam Peaty has opened up about his faith after winning a silver medal in the men’s 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics.
Fresh out of the pool, a breathless but beaming Peaty told BBC Sport: “I gave my absolute all there. In my heart I’ve already won.
“These are happy tears. I’m not crying because I’ve come second, I’m crying because it took so much to get here.
“I’m a very religious man, and I asked God to show my heart, and this is my heart. I couldn’t have done more.”
Escaping gold by only two-hundredths of a second, Peaty tied with Team USA’s Nic Fink for second place. He maintains the world record for breastroke, of 56.88 seconds at the World Aquatics Championships in 2019.
The swimming star has been open about his struggles in recent years, and, having battled “three years of hell” with depression and alcoholism after the Tokyo Olympics, Peaty turned to Christ.
He was introduced to a pastor Ashley Mull in Melbourne, who works with elite athletes and encouraged him to attend church.
On his first visit to the Nottingham church which he is now a regular member of, the sermon’s theme was the Olympics.
“No one knew I was coming,” Peaty told The Evening Standard: “I was just at the back and I was like, ‘if this isn’t meant for me, then what is?’ I don’t think society has the answers I’m seeking, especially as a young man, and it’s nothing to do with being an athlete.”
Peaty maintains the world record for breastroke, of 56.88 seconds at the World Aquatics Championships in 2019.
Now bearing a cross tattoo across his chest, Peaty declared after Sunday’s race: “Everything I’ve done to this point has happened for a reason. I said to myself I’d give my absolute best, and I have! That’s the victory for me.”
Graham Daniels, of Christians in Sport, told Premier Christian Radio that Peaty modelled “absolute determination to celebrate what God has done in his life”.
Dear Lord, thank you for the wonderful transformation in Adam Peaty’s life, and the way he fearlessly gives the glory to you. Please let his story be an encouragement to others battling depression and alcoholism, that you are waiting for them with open arms. May Peaty’s story be a light to others at the Olympics and beyond. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Source: Premier Christian News
Further info: Read About how faith helped Adam Peaty with mental battles.
