Caroline Peaty, mother of Olympic gold medalist swimmer Adam Peaty, has reportedly experienced fresh anguish after her son competed for the first time under his married surname, Ramsay-Peaty, at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The swimmer's pregnant wife, Holly Ramsay, was present at the event, while Caroline was reportedly at home, 264 miles away, watching on television.
This marks the first time Caroline has not attended one of her son's competitions in person, a situation exacerbated by the family rift that has strained relationships. Friends of the Peaty family have described the situation as "galling," particularly the decision for Adam to adopt his wife's surname first in the double-barreled name.
Adam Peaty, 31, competed in the 100m breaststroke semi-final wearing a swimming cap bearing the name Ramsay-Peaty. Holly Ramsay, daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay, shared a photograph of her husband with the caption "So Special" on Instagram. This post reportedly "irked" Caroline and Adam's father, Mark.
Sources close to the family suggest that while they wish Adam well, the circumstances of the estrangement are deeply saddening. They would have typically attended his events to offer support. The strained relationship between Adam and his parents intensified in the lead-up to his wedding to Holly, with reports of Caroline not being invited to Holly's hen party.
Further tension arose from allegations that Holly and Adam vetoed Caroline's wedding outfit and that disagreements began after the couple's engagement in September 2024. Adam's sister Bethany was the only sibling to attend the wedding, but she too has reportedly fallen out with Holly. The rift has also extended to Adam's brothers, James and Richard, with whom he is reportedly no longer on speaking terms.
Caroline Peaty has previously described the rift as causing a hurt so deep it felt as though "they have cut my heart out." The ongoing family discord means it is unclear if or when she will meet her granddaughter, who is expected soon.