The High Performance Podcast

Adam Peaty: Overcoming My Darkest Moment, Nearly Quitting Swimming & Learning from Gordon Ramsay (E318)

18 snips
Jan 6, 2025
Adam Peaty, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, shares his journey of resilience and mental health struggles in competitive swimming. He candidly discusses a pivotal moment that nearly made him quit and emphasizes the significance of support systems in overcoming emotional battles. Adam reflects on redefining success by prioritizing happiness and personal growth over accolades. He also offers insights on nurturing joy in young athletes, drawing on lessons learned from mentors like Gordon Ramsay while navigating the pressures of elite sports.
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ANECDOTE

Breakdown Before Paris

  • Adam Peaty had a breakdown 14 months before the Paris Olympics, stemming from exhaustion, illness, and time away from family.
  • Despite considering quitting, he chose to compete, driven by the fear of regret and ultimately won silver.
INSIGHT

Loneliness of High Performance

  • Peaty realized the constant pursuit of excellence can be isolating, even when surrounded by a team.
  • He emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing these feelings of loneliness.
ANECDOTE

Finding Joy in Simplicity

  • After his breakdown, Peaty prioritized simple pleasures like gardening and spending time with loved ones.
  • This shift in focus helped him rediscover happiness and begin his recovery.
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