Three-time Olympic champion Adam Peaty says he will “fine-tune” his approach for the Paris games after claiming bronze in the men’s 100m breaststroke at his first World Championships since 2019.
Peaty, who holds the record from his campaign five years ago, finished behind American Nic Fink and Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi – and he is now targeting a third successive Olympic 100m gold.
“I went a bit too hard on that opening 50 metres but it’s great to race against the best in the world,” said Peaty, who has faced periods of depression and alcohol issues as well as a foot injury during his absence from the championships.
“Now it’s about how we can fine-tune it for the Olympics. It’s good to be part of it – massive well done to these guys, as it’s not an easy race.”
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Peaty’s gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 made him the first Briton to retain an Olympic swimming title.
The 29-year-old praised coach Melanie Marshall before the start of the 2024 championships in Doha.
“I’m happy to be in the place that I’m in with the work that I’ve invested,” said the eight-time world champion.
“More importantly, I’m at peace with my position in the sport and where I want to go. I couldn’t think of a better person and coach to lead me through this journey after the 15 years we’ve had together.”
Adam Peaty planning for Olympics
The 29-year-old, who is the only man to have swum the race in under 57 seconds, had been the top seed in the final after qualifying fastest.
“Tonight was just about going out there, showing a little bit of Adam Peaty on the front end, getting a little bit angry with myself like I normally do,” he said after the semi-finals.
“It’s a complex relationship with myself – and I showed I can still get it done on the back end when I need to.”
The swimming finals in Paris will take place from July 27 until August 4 2024.
