'Three years of hell' – Peaty seals Paris 2024 qualification

Adam Peaty put “three years of hell” behind him to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The 29-year-old booked his place in this summer’s Games by winning the British 100m breaststroke final in a time of 57.94 seconds, which was his quickest time since retaining his Olympic title in Tokyo three years ago.

Swimmers book their places in Paris by winning the open finals in each separate event at the Championships, assuming they reach or beat the times set by Aquatics GB. It is then down to the British Olympic Association to approve the nominations.

Peaty will now be aiming to win a third consecutive Olympic title, securing a nomination to compete following his exploits in the British Championships.

Speaking after the race, he said: “I’m not fully back, I’ve still got a second! It’s always going to be my mindset, but I’ve got a healthy approach to it.

“A few years ago, I’d have come out of there disappointed, I’ve come out with a 57 and been disappointed, I’ve come out with a 59 and been quite disappointed.

“I’ve learned to appreciate the moments of greatness for myself, not even relative to the world. For me, that was a great swim, executed well but the most promising thing is that I’m finding peace in the water now, instead of anger and just fighting it, and trying to win like that.

“I’m finding a new version of myself which I’m really liking, and I think that’s a version that can do really well at the Olympics. I felt so light in the water. This is a real win for my team, my family and myself. We have come through the past three years of hell. I didn’t want to see a pool again. The sport had broken me.

“I didn’t know what route to go down and so many things got in my way, but now I am waking up each day and enjoying my job. Who knows what the ending is going to be but I am having fun along the way. It may not end up as a fairytale, but it might.”

Peaty did not compete in last year’s championships, beginning a mental health break to recover from depression and alcohol problems before returning to action at the World Championships in Doha where he won bronze.

He also missed the 2022 World Championships with a foot injury, in what has been a turbulent three years since the 29-year-old’s success in Japan.