REBECCA ADLINGTON was reduced to tears in the BBC studio as Adam Peaty narrowly missed out on Olympic gold in Paris.
Peaty was just 0.02 seconds off retaining his title in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke, but ultimately settled for joint silver.
BBCRebecca Adlington broke down in tears after Adam Peaty missed out on Olympic gold[/caption]
PAGreat Britain’s Peaty settled for a joint silver medal[/caption]
bbcAdlington was emotional watching on[/caption]
BBCThe retired swimmer said she ‘couldn’t stop crying’[/caption]
Adlington, who was watching on as part of the BBC‘s coverage, was left emotional at Peaty’s race, knowing the incredible journey he has been on.
Peaty is one of Team GB‘s most decorated athletes, battling with alcoholism and mental health issues to compete at the highest level.
Adlington was touched by his hard work and effort and got choked up as he was awarded a joint silver medal with Team USA‘s Nic Fink after the pair finished in exactly the same time.
Adlington, who won Olympic gold twice for Team GB during her career, said live on BBC: “I can’t stop crying. I feel just so emotional. It’s his little boy that’s got me.
“I just need to see that Adam’s smiling and I’ll be fine.
“We didn’t call that at all, did we? It was just one of those [races] that was so unpredictable.”
Peaty‘s toddler George was supporting him from the stands and the Brit swimmer was quick to give his son a cuddle after securing a silver medal.
The Olympic hero was more than satisfied with his efforts despite missing out on tasting gold again.
PAPeaty secured a third silver medal in his Olympic career[/caption]
RexThe star was emotional after his superb race[/caption]
GettyPeaty celebrated with his son George and partner Holly Ramsay afterwards[/caption]
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Speaking after the race, he said: “In my heart I’ve already won.
“It’s been a very long way back and I look at the score there and you would never think in your wildest dream that it would be 59s to win it there.
“I executed as well as I could. It doesn’t matter what it says on the scoreboard because in my heart I know that I’ve won there.
“I’m not crying because I’ve come second, I’m crying because of how hard its been to get here.
“I’m a very religious man and I asked god just to show my heart and this is my heart, I couldn’t have done more.”
After hearing Peaty’s inspiring words, Adlington added: “As an athlete you know what he’s been through.
“I mean, I’ve achieved nothing compared to Adam. What he’s achieved it unbelievable, I can’t even get my head around it.”
Peaty’s chances of another gold to add to three he has already achieved are not over yet.
The 29-year-old still has a crack at both the Mixed and the Men’s 4x100m medley relay races.
Adam Peaty’s remaining Olympic schedule
Mixed 4x100m medley relay
Heats – Friday, August 2 – 10am
Final – Saturday, August 3 – 8:33pm
Men’s 4x100m medley relay
Heats – Saturday, August 3 – 10am
Final – Sunday, August 4 – 6:12pm
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