Peaty tests positive for Covid after winning silver

Adam Peaty has tested positive for Covid-19 a day after winning silver for Team GB in the 100m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics.

Peaty missed out on a third consecutive gold medal by 0.02 seconds on Sunday and afterwards said he had been slightly unwell with “a little bit on my throat”.

A Team GB statement said the 29-year-old’s condition worsened overnight and he has now tested positive for coronavirus.

Unlike the last Games in Tokyo, there are no strict protocols around the disease in Paris which could prevent him from competing.

It is viewed as a general illness by organisers, although Team GB have straightforward protocols including hand hygiene and keeping space from other competitors.

Peaty was expected be part of the British relay teams later in the Olympics, with a possible return to action as soon as Friday. Team GB said he is “hopeful to be back in competition”.

“As in any case of illness, the situation is being managed appropriately, with all usual precautions being taken to keep the wider delegation healthy,” the statement added.

Peaty could compete in either the men's or mixed 4x100m medley relay competitions in Paris, and was part of the squad that won gold in the mixed event in Tokyo.

Their title defence begins on Friday morning in the heats with a potential final, should Britain qualify, on Saturday evening.

The men's medley relay begins on Saturday morning, with the heats on Sunday night.

Following his positive Covid test, Peaty said: "I’ll now be focusing on a fast, full recovery to give my best in the team relays later in the week.

"I’ve had so many messages and I’ll get back to you all, thank you for your support as it has truly been an unforgettable journey."

The Team GB coaches would pick Peaty for whichever event they viewed as the best chance of a medal, possibly both if he felt fit enough, and he would be crucial to their hopes.

There are other breaststrokers in the GB squad who could take his place if required.

Peaty was targeting a third consecutive 100m Olympic title on Sunday, which would have meant he joined Michael Phelps as the only man to have won the same Olympic swimming event three times in a row.

He was well placed in the final 25m but Italian Nicolo Martinenghi came through to win gold.

Peaty gave emotional interviews afterwards when he discussed his difficulties since his last gold in Tokyo, which included problems with alcohol and his mental health.

He almost walked away from the sport before returning last year.

The Englishman is not the first aquatics athlete at these Games to test positive for Covid-19.

Five members of Australia's water polo squad, which takes place at a different venue to the swimming, contracted the disease days before the Games.