Three-time Olympic champion Adam Peaty has paid tribute to those who have played a part in his journey after he received his OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to swimming.
The eight-time world champion received the honour at a ceremony hosted by Anne, Princess Royal, at Windsor Castle.
The 27-year-old was awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for 2022, five years after being made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
He posted to social media, saying:
“Adam Peaty O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire)
“Words can’t describe how proud I am to receive this prestigious honour. Thank you to all the people that have helped get me this far – big or small it all matters. Time to enter new territory. ??”
Among the responses was one from Olympic 50 free bronze medallist Bruno Fratus which read:
“Congratulations Adam, beyond proud of you and humbled to have you as leader in our circle.”
In 2021 Peaty became the first British swimmer to retain an Olympic title when he added the 100m breaststroke title in Tokyo to his Rio 2016 crown.
He also won gold with mixed medley relay and silver with the men’s equivalent, months after winning the quadruple-quadruple in Budapest, claiming four titles at four consecutive European Championships.
The Briton has found himself in different territory this year when he finished fourth in the 100m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games before coming back to claim his first 50m title, months after a foot fracture ruled him out of the World Championships.
He will compete at the World Short-Course Championships in Melbourne next month as he returns to competition.
Richly deserved, well done Adam.
Richly deserved, well done Adam.