Adam Peaty faces accusations of disrespecting the Commonwealth Games following his impressive qualification for the breaststroke final.

I am astounded. Last night, I confided in Jase, saying ‘this will be my final race.’ When I witnessed Adam Peaty’s interview, it resonated with me completely. I saw myself in his words. I had lost my passion, training was no longer effortless, and every day felt like a monotonous routine. This has been my reality for three Olympic cycles now, constantly picking myself up after a year filled with hardships. I must admit, my motivation was completely gone.

However, last night changed everything. I was messaging my new coach, Lem, and I had a sudden realization. ‘No! I won’t give up. I refuse to surrender this opportunity. I have one more chance, just tell me what to do.’ It was almost serendipitous the way everything fell into place, wasn’t it? Grace, a young cyclist, was told to take the lead and not worry about me. Then Sophie surpassed her, and I thought to myself, “Hallelujah!” It was all unfolding right before my eyes. And when Neah made her move about two laps ahead, I thought to myself, ‘I’ve done it.’ Crossing that finish line here in London, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

I know what it feels like to lose here. Yesterday left a bitter taste. I wasn’t in the right mindset. Seeing Wallsy (Matt Walls) crash like that really made me question my choices. I’ve been fortunate in my career, only having experienced one broken shoulder and one broken arm. It hasn’t been that bad. But witnessing something like that brings everything into perspective. I immediately messaged Monica and confessed that I was experiencing a severe crisis of confidence. I simply didn’t want to be on the track. And when I feel like that, my performance suffers, and I don’t achieve the desired results.

But today, I was fueled with determination. I kept repeating to myself in the restroom, ‘I can do this, I can do this.’ Despite starting far behind due to lack of points, a random spectator on the track exclaimed, ‘You’ve got this, Laura!’ I wanted to turn to him and confidently say, ‘Yes, I do!’ I felt like an entirely different cyclist.”