Adam Ramsay-Peaty’s visibly emotional response to his performances at the Commonwealth Games has become a vivid illustration of just how deeply the event matters to its competitors, according to former Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny. The three‑time Olympic gold‑medallist in swimming was seen with tears in his eyes after he secured two bronze medals at this summer's scaled‑down edition of the Games – first in the 100‑metre breaststroke and later in the 50‑metre sprint. Ramsay‑Peaty, who had gone eight consecutive years without losing the 100‑metre breaststroke title, was clearly disappointed with his showing, confessing in post‑race interviews that "nothing makes sense" for him at that moment. His candid remarks sparked a mixed reaction among viewers, some sympathising with his frustration while others criticised his lack of congratulatory remarks toward the gold‑ and silver‑medal winners.
Now‑retired six‑time Olympic medalist Laura Kenny, who concluded her own illustrious cycling career in 2024, weighed in on the situation, praising the swimmer’s resilience under intense scrutiny. "He was emotional after the first race, and to bounce back, to get on the block again and still manage a bronze, that takes a lot of mental strength," Kenny told Sky Sports News.
"The raw emotion he displayed in those post‑race interviews shows just how much the Commonwealth Games mean to athletes like him." Kenny went on to explain that the pressure surrounding the Games is unique. Athletes are expected to perform at a near‑heroic level, with the public often assuming they will win gold every time they step onto the pool deck.
"You’re under the spotlight for two weeks every two years, and that constant attention can be overwhelming," she said. "Add in any personal issues – whether they have happened or not – and it becomes even more challenging to deliver a top‑class performance." The swimmer’s personal life has indeed been under the media microscope. Earlier this year he married Holly Ramsay, the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, an event that attracted significant press coverage and reportedly caused tension within his family.
Following the wedding, Ramsay‑Peaty vowed to let his swimming speak for itself, but the scrutiny persisted. Some observers also noted that he failed to congratulate his fellow competitors after earning his bronze medals, a lapse that drew criticism and sparked debate about sportsmanship. Kenny acknowledged why fans reacted negatively to his comments.
"In the heat of the moment, after you’ve just finished a race, emotions run high and anything can slip out," she explained. "I might have started by saying ‘well done’ to the gold and silver medalists, but I understand why he didn’t. The pressure to answer questions immediately can make it difficult to articulate the right words." The 2022 Commonwealth Games themselves faced a turbulent lead‑up.
Originally slated for Victoria, Australia, the event was relocated to Glasgow after the Australian organisers withdrew because of spiralling costs. The Scottish city stepped in, but the Games were trimmed to just ten sports, raising concerns about the future viability of the multi‑sport festival. Despite these challenges, Kenny remains convinced of its importance. "Athletes want to compete," she asserted.
"If the Commonwealth Games were removed, we would lose a crucial opportunity for athletes to test themselves on an international stage. It would be one less multi‑sport event on the calendar, and that would be a real loss for the sporting community." She highlighted another unique aspect of the Commonwealth Games: the rare convergence of para‑athletes and able‑bodied athletes competing side by side. "It’s one of the few occasions where you see that integration on such a large scale, and it promotes inclusivity and mutual respect among competitors," Kenny said. Additionally, the Games allow the home nations of the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – to field separate teams, fostering a distinct sense of national pride that is absent from events like the Olympics where they compete as Great Britain.
"Competing for Team England, for example, carries a special significance that athletes cherish," she added. Funding considerations also play a role.
Many athletes receive support from the National Lottery, and the Commonwealth Games provide a valuable platform for them to showcase the results of that investment. Removing the event could leave a gap in the competition schedule, potentially hindering the development pathways for emerging talent. "These athletes train for years with the goal of representing their country at major events.
Stripping away the Commonwealth Games would deny them that chance and could impact motivation and funding streams," Kenny concluded. In summary, while Adam Ramsay‑Peaty’s tears and candid remarks may have sparked debate, they also underscore the emotional weight the Commonwealth Games carry for participants.
The event offers a rare blend of high‑pressure competition, inclusive representation, and national pride that resonates deeply with athletes across the Commonwealth. As Dame Laura Kenny emphasized, preserving this unique sporting festival is essential for the continued growth and inspiration of both current and future generations of competitors.