Adam Peaty, one of the Staffordshire-born athletes who are representing Team GB at the Paris Olympics, came second place in the 100m breaststroke on Sunday night (28 July).
Peaty, who is from Uttoxeter, was only 0.02 seconds behind Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi.
Peaty (29) almost became the second athlete to win the same event at three consecutive Olympic Games, having won gold at the previous two events. This feat has only been achieved by Michael Phelps.
The swimmer now has three gold and three silver medals to his name.
Winning silver is still a great achievement for Peaty, who had to take time out of the sport after Tokyo 2020 due to mental health struggles.
He told the BBC: “I am not crying because I have come second. I am crying because of how much it took to get here.”
His mum, Caroline Peaty, stated that she was very proud of his performance and highlighted how difficult training had been.
She stated: “He’s made lots of sacrifices – food, social events, family time, not being with his son as much as he could be.”
Mrs Peaty now hopes that Adam will step away from this level of professional swimming.
As of Monday (29 July), Team GB has achieved two silver and two bronze medals.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk