Dame Laura Kenny believes that Adam Ramsay‑Peaty’s visible emotion after his performances at this year’s Commonwealth Games underscores just how much the event means to the athletes who compete there. The three‑time Olympic champion, who is best known for his dominance in the pool, was seen with tears in his eyes after securing two bronze medals in Glasgow – first in the 100‑metre breaststroke and then in the 50‑metre sprint. Those moments, Kenny says, reveal a depth of feeling that goes beyond the medals themselves. Ramsay‑Peaty entered the Games with a reputation built on an eight‑year unbeaten streak in the 100‑metre breaststroke.
When he finished third, he was visibly disappointed and confessed in post‑race interviews that "nothing makes sense" for him at that moment. The reaction from the public was mixed; some fans expressed frustration at the unexpected result, while others empathised with the pressure the swimmer faces as a global superstar.
Kenny, a recently retired six‑time Olympic medalist in cycling, offered a different perspective. She told Sky Sports News that the British swimmer’s ability to bounce back after a tearful first race and still claim a bronze in the second event demonstrates a kind of mental resilience that is often overlooked. "He was emotional after the first one and obviously to bring yourself back round, to come back up and perform the way he did for a bronze medal, that takes strength in itself," Kenny explained. "The emotion that he showed in those interviews post‑bronze just shows how much the Commonwealth Games means to these athletes." According to Kenny, the Commonwealth Games create a unique set of expectations.
Athletes like Ramsay‑Peaty are constantly under a microscope, with many people assuming they will win gold every time they step onto the starting block. This heightened scrutiny can be a heavy burden, especially when the competition is condensed into a two‑week window that occurs only once every four years. Kenny noted that the pressure is amplified for swimmers who have become household names and are expected to deliver flawless performances at every major meet. "You're performing under the pressure, you're coming back from ultimately being a superhero and held to such a high standard that people almost expect you to win gold every single time," she said.
"Coming from someone who has experienced that, the pressure of that can be a lot. You're under the spotlight for two weeks every two years and that is a lot of pressure to have to deal with." Kenny also pointed out that personal circumstances can intersect with the sporting spotlight. Ramsay‑Peaty’s recent high‑profile wedding to Holly Ramsay, the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, sparked a media frenzy and reportedly caused tension within his family. In addition, the swimmer faced criticism for not congratulating his fellow competitors after his bronze‑medal finishes, a lapse that some observers interpreted as a lack of sportsmanship.
Kenny sympathised with the swimmer, acknowledging that in the heat of the moment, when journalists are firing questions immediately after a race, emotions can run high and words may come out unintentionally. "I probably would have started with saying well done to the athletes that got gold and silver," she admitted.
"But I can totally understand because, in the heat of the moment, when you are getting asked questions immediately after you've performed, it's so emotional, anything comes out." The broader context of the Games also adds to the stakes. Originally slated to be held in Victoria, Australia, the 2026 edition was relocated to Glasgow after the Australian organizers withdrew due to spiralling costs. The event this year was scaled back to just ten sports, raising concerns about its future viability. Yet Kenny remains convinced that the Commonwealth Games still hold a vital place on the international sporting calendar.
"Athletes want to compete," she said, reflecting on her own retirement in 2024. "For me, taking away the Commonwealth Games would have been one last chance to compete. It would have been one less multi‑sport event that we had on the calendar." She highlighted a distinctive feature of the Games: the convergence of para‑athletes and able‑bodied athletes in the same arena, fostering inclusivity and shared experience. Moreover, the competition splits the United Kingdom into its constituent nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—allowing athletes to represent their home nation rather than a unified Great Britain team.
This structure adds a layer of national pride and rivalry that is absent from many other global events. "The Commonwealth Games is one of the only times para‑athletes and able‑bodied athletes coincide, so why would we take that away?
It's also got the added element that the home nations are split up, so actually it's really nice to compete for Team England," Kenny explained. "You've got all these National Lottery‑funded athletes that ultimately want to train and race and compete, so why would we want that off the calendar?" In summary, while Ramsay‑Peaty’s tears may have initially seemed like a sign of disappointment, Kenny interprets them as a powerful reminder of the emotional weight the Commonwealth Games carry for competitors. The event provides a rare platform where athletes from diverse backgrounds and abilities can share the stage, celebrate their nations, and test themselves against the best in the Commonwealth.
Even amid financial challenges and a reduced program, the Games continue to offer a meaningful opportunity for athletes to showcase their talent, resilience, and passion.