Peaty took a break from swimming last year to address his battles with depression, alcoholism, and burnout. Now 29, he believes he’s ready for a comeback in Paris, and is happy to be the underdog.

With three Olympic gold medals under his belt, two in the 100m breaststroke (Rio 2016 and 2020 Tokyo) and one in the 4x100m mixed medley (2020 Tokyo) Peaty is on the verge of joining Michael Phelps as the only male swimmers to win the same event at three consecutive Olympics.

Reflecting on his struggles, Peaty said, "I got to a point in my career where I didn't feel like myself. I didn't feel happy swimming. When you achieve what I have in the sport, that comes at a cost. I had to take a break from life really because it's so demanding."

Peaty's intense drive for success once masked a painful reality. Despite being scared of water as a child, he started swimming at nine in Uttoxeter. However, in adulthood, he turned to drinking and partying to escape his problems. He has turned a corner in his mental health journey and is ready to make waves in Paris.

Peaty has turned his life around by taking responsibility for his actions and facing his struggles head-on. "It was only last year that I started to face what I'd been going through in a healthy manner," he said. "The answers can't be found in a nightclub. It had to be found in true accountability."

A broken foot and a split from his partner during his darkest times didn't help, but Peaty found solace in church and his new relationship with Holly Ramsay. "I'm definitely a man of faith. It was not until I went back to church that I found a community that was there no matter what."

Grounded by faith and personal growth, Peaty is ready for Paris. "I'm more relaxed and knowledgeable of myself. When I look in the mirror, I'm very peaceful. As soon as you stop running from yourself, that's when you start living your true self. I'm not afraid to lose, I'm not afraid to win. How can you beat an athlete like that?"