World and Olympic Champion Adam Peaty goes into the World Championships in Budapest this week taking absolutely nothing for granted amidst the realisation that he has a target on his back.
In the three years since Peaty first gave notice of his international intent, he has won the full set of sporting honours but he is under no illusion that he is a marked man and the world is chasing hard.
When the 22-year-old lines up in the Danube Arena for the heats of the 100m Breaststroke on Sunday, he won’t be looking to defend his title; his focus is purely on attack..
“I won’t be in Budapest to defend my titles, I’ll be there to attack them,” explained Peaty. “Attack just seems a little bit more aggressive and is more my personality. I’m not really one to sit back and just let it happen.
“The guys lined up next to me will all share the same mind set. We all want to put on a show, we all want to put on a spectacle that everyone loves. You want to put it on for you fans, your friends and your family that support you all of the way."
- Adam Peaty - Olympic Champion
“At the end of it all it’s just a race and I like to attack those. For me attack is the best form of defence.”
Peaty has lost none of the hunger that has driven him to the top of the podium at Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth level over the past three years. He and his coach Mel Marshall have refocused; they’ve set new targets and challenges, and Peaty is excited about chasing these in Budapest.
“I’m in a better shape mentally and physically than in previous seasons,” said Peaty. “I’m going into the World Championships in a good place. I had a really good winter of training following two months off after Rio.
“We’ve tried a few different things in all of our preparation events leading up to these championships. I’ve looked in detail at my race skills, have worked hard to address any weakness and the result is that I’m stronger now. I’m looking forward to putting these to the test."
“I want to pick up from where I left off in Rio but sport is sport and anything can happen. I respect that I’ll be in a line with other guys and it will be anybody’s race. That said I’m in a good place, I feel confident and I’m the current World Champion but I also respect that I’m racing the best in the world as well.”
The National Centre, Loughborough-based swimmer arrived in Budapest off the back of a preparation camp in Edinburgh where he made the final adjustments to his conditioning while defining the British team dynamic.
“I’ve had some great training this year and enjoyed the prep camp in Edinburgh. My bodyweight and skin folds are good. Everything that supports that high performance swim is where it needs to be,” said Peaty.
“Mentally I’m in one of the best places I’ve been. I’m happy, confident in training and have belief that the work Mel and I have been doing has put me in the right shape at the right time.
“This team is looking good and there is a bond there which I’ve not seen before. There’s a great group of rookie athletes and the more senior guys are here to help them.
“It’s a completely regenerated team following retirements after Rio. All of a sudden I’m looking like one of the older athletes on the team which is quite scary but it’s a responsibility that I enjoy in passing along the knowledge and experience to the newcomers on the team. All of the gears are working as a really well-oiled engine.”
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The British Swimming team will compete at the FINA World Championships from 23-30 July 2017. The team comprises:
Freya Anderson Ellesmere College Titans
Charlotte Atkinson Loughborough University
Georgia Davies Loughborough University
Kathleen Dawson University of Stirling
Nick Grainger City of Sheffield Swim Squad
Luke Greenbank National Centre Loughborough
James Guy National Centre Bath
Holly Hibbott Stockport Metro
Calum Jarvis National Centre Bath
Daniel Jervis City of Swansea Aquatics
Max Litchfield City of Sheffield Swim Squad
Hannah Miley University of Aberdeen
Stephen Milne Perth City Swim Club
Ross Murdoch University of Stirling
Siobhan-Marie O'Connor National Centre Bath
Adam Peaty National Centre Loughborough
Ben Proud Plymouth Leander
Molly Renshaw National Centre Loughborough
Rosie Rudin City of Sheffield Swim Squad
Duncan Scott University of Stirling
Mark Szaranek Edinburgh University/Florida
Alys Thomas City of Swansea Aquatics
Jocelyn Ulyett Loughborough University
Sarah Vasey National Centre Loughborough
Chris Walker-Hebborn National Centre Bath
James Wilby National Centre Loughborough
Abbie Wood National Centre Loughborough