Adam Peaty Diagnosed with Covid-19 Will Miss Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay Heats in Paris

This morning’s mixed 4x100m medley relay heats will go on without Adam Peaty. The 29-year-old swimmer has tested positive for Covid-19 and won’t be competing today.

His diagnosis came just a day after he narrowly missed out on gold in the Olympic men’s 100m breaststroke, finishing with silver by a mere 0.02 seconds.

Despite this setback, there’s some good news. Peaty was spotted back in the pool for the first time since his diagnosis, which offers hope for his participation in future events.

If Team GB manages to qualify, Peaty may still have a chance to compete in the final, even though he’s skipping the heats.

In the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay earlier this week, Matt Richards and Duncan Scott took a break but returned for the final, helping Team GB defend their gold medal.

Peaty had previously won gold in this event at the Tokyo Olympics.

Today, Team GB will dive in at 11:03 a.m., aiming for a spot in Saturday night’s final.

James Wilby will step in for Peaty in the breaststroke leg, joining Kathleen Dawson, Joe Litchfield, and Anna Hopkin.

Wilby, who won silver as a heat swimmer in Tokyo’s men’s 4x100m medley relay, was 11th in this year’s 100m breaststroke semi-finals.

Team GB’s Response

Team GB has addressed Peaty’s situation, stating: “As in any case of illness, the situation is being managed appropriately, with all usual precautions being taken to keep the wider delegation healthy.”

Peaty’s Message to Fans

Adam Peaty has reached out to his supporters, saying: “I’ll now be focusing on a fast, full recovery to give my best in the team relays later in the week. I’ve had so many messages and I’ll get back to you all. Thank you for your support—it has truly been an unforgettable journey.”