Adam Peaty has stated he will "forgive but not forget" his family as their ongoing rift continues. The swimmer, 31, has spoken out about the drama, which reportedly began in 2024 when he and his now-wife Holly Ramsay did not invite wider members of the Peaty family to their engagement party and wedding.
The conflict has escalated, with his family, including parents Caroline and Mark, reportedly pleading for reconciliation after watching Peaty win two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Speaking to The Guardian, Peaty, who embraced Christianity in 2023, indicated that his faith allows for forgiveness but stressed he will only reconcile if he "feels they have improved as people."
"For me, as a Christian, there has to be forgiveness," Peaty said when asked about healing the rift. "It doesn’t mean you have to forget, but forgiveness takes time... I’m not saying that it won’t get better but it has to come from a place where I feel like they’ve improved as people, in a sense, and opened that communication up."
Peaty denied sharing details of the dispute with the media, stating, "I haven’t told one thing to the media. I haven’t done one story." He acknowledged speculation surrounding the row, adding, "I wouldn’t say on me because I’ve got a thick skin. But I care about my wife, I care about my son [George, five, from his previous relationship]."
Earlier in the week, Peaty's family reportedly urged the swimmer to mend the rift with his mother, Caroline, saying, "Please don't hurt her any more."
Peaty's performance at the Commonwealth Games, where he won two bronze medals in the 50m and 100m breaststroke and a silver in the mixed 4x100m medley relay, was followed by tears in post-interview reflections where he partly attributed his struggles to his family feud. He stated the fallout "had taken its toll" during training.
Caroline and Mark Peaty reportedly watched their son compete on television from home, having been unable to attend poolside. Peaty's pregnant wife, Holly, whose father is Gordon Ramsay, was present and embraced him after his races.
An insider reportedly told the Daily Mail that Peaty blaming his family for his Commonwealth Games performance was "not right." The source added, "Our message is 'Come home and talk to your mother. You know your mum will forgive you! Please don't hurt her any more...' You both need to heal. Even the public are turning against you. You have to be careful what you put out in the universe because it always comes back at you threefold.'"
Despite the personal challenges, Peaty is focused on the future, aiming for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He said, "I'll almost have to forget the experience I've had this week in my personal situation and learn from it very quickly."
Peaty, competing under his married name for the first time, did not mention the Peaty family in his broadcast interviews, instead stating, "Thankfully, I've got an incredible wife and an incredible support circle around me."
His wife, Holly, took to Instagram to praise her husband, writing, "Proud. Watching your comeback to championship racing has been inspiring. It's not been an easy journey but your determination and faith have never wavered and we will keep going, through the good and the bad together."
Peaty has expressed a desire to focus on his role as a husband and father as he and Holly prepare to welcome a baby girl in December.