Adam Peaty's mum tells of sacrifices behind medals

Peaty, from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, won silver in the 100m breaststroke final on Sunday

The mother of Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty has spoken about the “brutal” training and major sacrifices such athletes put themselves through.

Peaty, from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, won silver in the 100m breaststroke final on Sunday, missing out on his third consecutive gold in the event by just 0.02 seconds.

Caroline Peaty said she was hugely proud of her son, adding being selected for the Olympics was a great achievement in itself.

“I don’t think people realise how much sacrifice each of the swimmers have to go through, what the toll is on the body,” she said.

“He’s made lots of sacrifices – food, social events, family time, not being with his son as much as he could be," Mrs Peaty told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Peaty's mother Caroline, left, and his partner Holly were among spectators at La Defense Arena

Peaty was bidding to become only the second man, after American Michael Phelps, to win the same swimming event at three consecutive Olympics.

Peaty's silver medal in Paris brings the 29-year-old's remarkable Olympics tally across his career to three golds and three silvers.

His mother, who was at the poolside on Sunday, said she always felt “very nervous” while watching her son's races.

“My stomach is turning, my heart is just beating fast. And then once the race is over I feel relieved - it’s done,” she said.

Peaty's latest medal was a particularly emotional moment as he had taken a break from the sport last year to focus on his mental health.

Mrs Peaty said she hoped he would now take a step back from swimming at this level to spend more time with his three-year-old son George, who was also at the poolside in Paris.

“I want him to be around to attend to George’s first day at school and all those sorts of things,” she told BBC Radio Derby.

“Because those are the sacrifices Adam has had to make, to achieve what he has achieved.”