Adam Peaty has confirmed his intention to bid for a fourth Olympics at Los Angeles 2028. The 30-year-old British breaststroker will compete after the 50m breaststroke was added to the Olympic programme.
What happened?
The International Olympic Committee approved the competition program for the LA Games on Thursday, with a record 351 medal events.
Why it matters for Adam Peaty
This change could be good news for Peaty, who has been dominant over the 50m distance in his career, winning three world titles.
What comes next?
Peaty posted on social media, reacting to the news, “50m Sprint Events have just been added to [the Los Angeles Olympics] which confirms my attempt to be at my fourth Olympic Games.” He could yet chase four gold medals in Los Angeles in the 50m and 100m breaststroke and two medley relay events.
The British athlete had left the door open to competing again after coming away with a silver medal from Paris 2024. Peaty had insisted that he needed time away from the pool to consider his options.
The addition of sprint events in three strokes will allow more people to be part of the sport and stay in it much longer, according to Peaty. He thanked World Aquatics for the decision and expressed his excitement for the next three years.
Female athletes are also set to be in the majority for the first time, with the core quota of athletes for LA 50.7% women, according to the IOC. This comes in part due to changes to the football tournaments, with the gender imbalance flipped: 16 women’s teams will now compete compared to 12 men’s sides.
Peaty's decision to compete at LA 2028 will likely have a significant impact on his career, as he seeks to add to his collection of eight gold medals. His dominance in the 50m breaststroke event will make him a strong contender for a medal in Los Angeles.
The LA Games will feature a record number of medal events, with 22 more than took place in Paris. The competition program was approved by the International Olympic Committee on Thursday.
Peaty's announcement has generated excitement among fans, who will be eager to see him compete at his fourth Olympic Games. His experience and skill will make him a strong contender in the 50m and 100m breaststroke events.
The British athlete's decision to compete at LA 2028 is a significant development in the world of swimming. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the upcoming years, as he prepares for the Olympic Games.