Adam Peaty, a former Olympic and world champion, has stated he is "confused" as his performance struggles continue at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris.
After a dominant period between 2014 and 2020 where he won 16 consecutive golds at the event, Peaty's recent results have seen a decline. His unbeaten European streak concluded this week with a fifth-place finish in the 100m breaststroke and fourth in the mixed medley relay. On Friday, the 31-year-old failed to advance to the semi-finals of the 50m breaststroke, finishing eighth in his heat with a time of 27.34 seconds, placing him 20th overall. The 16 fastest swimmers qualified for the semi-finals.
Peaty, who set the world record of 25.95 seconds in the 50m breaststroke in 2017, acknowledged the unacceptability of his current performances. "Even now I am like, it is so bad that I'm confused," he told Swimmingworldmagazine.com. "It's very frustrating, but I'm hoping we can figure it out."
This follows a difficult performance at last month's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he broke down in tears after winning 100m breaststroke bronze. Despite an improved time of 59.10 seconds in Paris for the 100m breaststroke, it was only sufficient for fifth place. Peaty indicated that his issues may stem from his dive and hitting the water, suggesting a need for significant changes to his technique. "I think I've just got to really change up what I'm doing, to be honest."
Another British swimmer, Filip Nowacki, who had success in Glasgow with a 200m gold and 100m silver, also did not qualify for the semi-finals in Paris, finishing 18th in the 50m breaststroke heats.