News by email Donate

Suggestions

Adam Peaty thumb banner.jpg
Insidefoto di andrea staccioli / Alamy Stock Photo
Adam Peaty thumb.jpg
Insidefoto di andrea staccioli / Alamy Stock Photo
World News

Adam Peaty shares newfound faith as he admits church helped him overcome alcohol misuse

by Sophie Drew

Britain’s superstar swimmer Adam Peaty has revealed that a newfound faith in God helped him overcome alcohol misuse.

The breaststroker has started going to church every Sunday, he told Mail Sport, in order to help him become a better athlete and father.

He said: “It’s about being a better person. Not only being a better athlete and fulfilling my gift, but also being a better dad for George. There are so many other reasons. It gets quite deep. But it’s great to be a part of.”

After suffering a foot injury, resulting in surgery, Peaty was initially disappointed by his early performances at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. However, after clawing it back later in the competition, he walked away with two gold medals, to add to the one he already had at home.

After struggling with his mental health, he reached out to the Olympic chaplain Ashley Null.

He says the conversations with the priest had a huge impact in understanding his mental struggles.

Last year, Peaty split from the mother of his young son, and says his relationship with alcohol, and his depression, worsened.

He was also diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

"I took a break because I was on this endless search of a gold medal or a world record and I looked into the future and I said 'OK, if I do get that is my life fixed or any better?' No," Peaty told BBC Sport.

He continued: "Hopefully when I get to the Olympics I will be in a very good mindset, very grateful and most importantly happy."

Peaty’s trophy cabinet is already bursting at the seams, with eight World Championship gold medals, 17 golds at European Championships and four golds at the Commonwealth Games.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate