Adam Ramsay-Peaty’s visible emotion after his performances at the Commonwealth Games has become a vivid illustration of how deeply the event matters to its competitors, a point highlighted by former Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny. The three‑time Olympic gold‑medalist swimmer was seen with tears in his eyes after securing two bronze medals at this year’s scaled‑down edition of the Games – first in the 100‑metre breaststroke and then in the 50‑metre sprint.
Having dominated the 100‑metre breaststroke for eight consecutive years, Ramsay‑Peaty entered the competition with high expectations and left the pool feeling disappointed, later describing his post‑race thoughts as "nothing makes sense". Fans reacted with a mixture of sympathy and criticism, but Kenny, who retired after a six‑medal Olympic career, praised the swimmer’s composure under intense scrutiny. "He was emotional after the first medal and, to bounce back and claim another bronze, that alone shows a great deal of mental strength," Kenny told Sky Sports News.
Kenny went on to explain that the raw feeling Ramsay‑Peaty displayed in the interview after his second bronze underscores the significance of the Commonwealth Games for athletes. "Competing under that kind of pressure, especially when you have been labeled a superhero and are expected to win gold every single time, is a huge burden," she said. "The Games put you in the spotlight for two weeks every two years, and that spotlight can be overwhelming." She added that personal circumstances can further complicate an athlete’s ability to perform. "When you factor in whatever is happening in a competitor’s private life – whether it’s a recent marriage, family issues, or other stressors – it becomes even more challenging to step onto the pool deck and deliver your best," Kenny noted.
Ramsay‑Peaty recently vowed to let his swimming speak for itself after a high‑profile wedding to Holly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, which sparked a public family dispute. The swimmer also faced backlash for not congratulating his fellow competitors during his post‑race interviews, a lapse that many fans and commentators highlighted. Kenny expressed empathy for the criticism, saying, "I probably would have started by congratulating the gold and silver medalists, but I understand that in the heat of the moment, when you’re being questioned immediately after a race, emotions run high and anything can slip out." The 2022 Commonwealth Games, originally slated for Victoria, Australia, were relocated to Glasgow after the Australian organizers withdrew due to soaring costs. The event was trimmed to just ten sports, raising concerns about its future viability.
Despite those worries, Kenny remains convinced of the Games’ importance. "Athletes love to compete," she affirmed, noting that eliminating the Commonwealth Games would remove a crucial multi‑sport platform from the calendar.
"It would be the last chance for many to test themselves against a diverse field." She highlighted the unique aspect of the Commonwealth Games that brings together para‑athletes and able‑bodied athletes in the same arena, a feature not commonly found in other major competitions. "The Games are one of the few occasions where both groups share the stage, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect," Kenny said.
Additionally, the event splits the United Kingdom into its constituent nations, giving athletes the opportunity to represent England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland rather than a unified Great Britain team. "Competing for Team England, for example, carries a distinct sense of pride and identity," she added. Kenny also pointed out the role of National Lottery funding in supporting athletes across the UK.
"These athletes train for years, often relying on public funding to cover their expenses. Removing the Commonwealth Games would take away a valuable opportunity for them to showcase their hard work and justify the investment," she argued. In summary, while Ramsay‑Peaty’s tears and his candid post‑race comments sparked a mixed reaction, they also served as a reminder of the immense pressure elite athletes face and the deep emotional connection they have with the Commonwealth Games.
Kenny’s perspective underscores that the event is more than just a series of medals; it is a vital stage for personal growth, national representation, and the celebration of sport across a diverse community. The Games continue to offer a rare platform where athletes from different backgrounds, abilities, and nations can come together, compete, and inspire future generations, making its preservation essential for the sporting landscape.