Adam Peaty

Peaty ready to attack World titles

19 Jul 2017

World and Olympic Champion Adam Peaty goes into the World Championships in Budapest this week taking absolutely nothing for granted amidst the realisation that he has a target on his back.

In the three years since Peaty first gave notice of his international intent, he has won the full set of sporting honours but he is under no illusion that he is a marked man and the world is chasing hard.

When the 22-year-old lines up in the Danube Arena for the heats of the 100m Breaststroke on Sunday, he won’t be looking to defend his title; his focus is purely on attack..

Adam Peaty
Rio 2016 Olympic Gold

“I won’t be in Budapest to defend my titles, I’ll be there to attack them,” explained Peaty. “Attack just seems a little bit more aggressive and is more my personality. I’m not really one to sit back and just let it happen. 

“The guys lined up next to me will all share the same mind set. We all want to put on a show, we all want to put on a spectacle that everyone loves. You want to put it on for you fans, your friends and your family that support you all of the way."

- Adam Peaty - Olympic Champion

“At the end of it all it’s just a race and I like to attack those. For me attack is the best form of defence.”

Peaty has lost none of the hunger that has driven him to the top of the podium at Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth level over the past three years. He and his coach Mel Marshall have refocused; they’ve set new targets and challenges, and Peaty is excited about chasing these in Budapest.

“I’m in a better shape mentally and physically than in previous seasons,” said Peaty. “I’m going into the World Championships in a good place. I had a really good winter of training following two months off after Rio.

“We’ve tried a few different things in all of our preparation events leading up to these championships. I’ve looked in detail at my race skills, have worked hard to address any weakness and the result is that I’m stronger now. I’m looking forward to putting these to the test." 

“I want to pick up from where I left off in Rio but sport is sport and anything can happen. I respect that I’ll be in a line with other guys and it will be anybody’s race. That said I’m in a good place, I feel confident and I’m the current World Champion but I also respect that I’m racing the best in the world as well.”

Adam Peaty
Peaty is ready for racing

The National Centre, Loughborough-based swimmer arrived in Budapest off the back of a preparation camp in Edinburgh where he made the final adjustments to his conditioning while defining the British team dynamic.

“I’ve had some great training this year and enjoyed the prep camp in Edinburgh. My bodyweight and skin folds are good. Everything that supports that high performance swim is where it needs to be,” said Peaty.

“Mentally I’m in one of the best places I’ve been. I’m happy, confident in training and have belief that the work Mel and I have been doing has put me in the right shape at the right time.

“This team is looking good and there is a bond there which I’ve not seen before. There’s a great group of rookie athletes and the more senior guys are here to help them.

“It’s a completely regenerated team following retirements after Rio. All of a sudden I’m looking like one of the older athletes on the team which is quite scary but it’s a responsibility that I enjoy in passing along the knowledge and experience to the newcomers on the team. All of the gears are working as a really well-oiled engine.”


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The British Swimming team will compete at the FINA World Championships from 23-30 July 2017. The team comprises:

Freya Anderson Ellesmere College Titans

Charlotte Atkinson           Loughborough University

Georgia Davies                  Loughborough University

Kathleen Dawson             University of Stirling

Nick Grainger                    City of Sheffield Swim Squad

Luke Greenbank                National Centre Loughborough

James Guy                          National Centre Bath

Holly Hibbott                     Stockport Metro

Calum Jarvis                       National Centre Bath

Daniel Jervis                       City of Swansea Aquatics

Max Litchfield                   City of Sheffield Swim Squad

Hannah Miley                    University of Aberdeen

Stephen Milne                   Perth City Swim Club

Ross Murdoch                   University of Stirling

Siobhan-Marie O'Connor       National Centre Bath

Adam Peaty                       National Centre Loughborough

Ben Proud                          Plymouth Leander

Molly Renshaw                 National Centre Loughborough

Rosie Rudin                        City of Sheffield Swim Squad

Duncan Scott                     University of Stirling

Mark Szaranek                  Edinburgh University/Florida

Alys Thomas                      City of Swansea Aquatics

Jocelyn Ulyett                   Loughborough University

Sarah Vasey                       National Centre Loughborough

Chris Walker-Hebborn     National Centre Bath

James Wilby                       National Centre Loughborough

Abbie Wood                       National Centre Loughborough