Michael Gunning Dedicates Sports Personality Award to Those Who Felt Alone

Michael Gunning, a former international swimmer, accepted the Sports Personality award at The Ethnicity Awards on Thursday night, dedicating his win to "anyone who has felt alone."

Gunning, 32, delivered a moving acceptance speech, thanking those who have provided support during difficult periods in his life. "There have been some dark times in life and it’s down to everyone that shines a light that opens up the doors to people," he told the audience.

The annual awards celebrate individuals and organizations that support Black, Asian, and diverse ethnic communities. Other recipients included singer Heather Small and television presenters Charlene White and Gok Wan, as well as EastEnders actress Diane Parish.

The award comes after a period of significant personal change for Gunning, who has openly discussed navigating the end of friendships, including his previously close relationship with Olympic champion Adam Peaty.

Gunning and Peaty trained together for years, with Peaty having previously allowed Gunning to use his home pool during lockdown. Gunning had described Peaty as a key ally whose support was crucial to his career.

Reports indicated that Gunning was not invited to Peaty's wedding to Holly Ramsay in December, with speculation suggesting the decision was due to Gunning's proximity to Peaty's mother, Caroline.

In an Instagram post prior to the wedding, Gunning reflected on his year, noting "new opportunities and changing friendships." He wrote, "I’ve travelled the world, had incredible new opportunities, learnt more about myself, made mistakes and taken risks, been dropped by friends, but made unexpected new ones, been told ‘no’ far too many times but stepped fully outside of my comfort zone."

Gunning added, "But I’m learning that change can be a really beautiful thing and you should never stop fighting for your dream!"

Speaking last month, Gunning stated that therapy had assisted him in processing people leaving his life and that he held no resentment toward his former friend. "I have so many happy memories, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without having him as a friend," he said.

He also shared that he has found it difficult when people depart from his life, a sentiment he believes has impacted his romantic relationships. "I’ve always found it hard when people leave, and that’s probably why I’ve never been in a relationship, but therapy has helped me process that better and understand that people come and go from your life, and you’ve just got to be grateful for the time you had with them," Gunning explained.

Gunning concluded by expressing his best wishes to Adam Peaty, Holly Ramsay, and their unborn child, wishing them "nothing but happiness."