Adam Ramsay-Peaty has signed up for this summer's Commonwealth Games in a major boost to organisers. The three-time Olympic champion will be named in Team England's 42-strong swimming squad on Tuesday as he targets gold at a fourth consecutive Games.
The inclusion of the world's fastest breaststroker is a real coup for Glasgow organisers, who stepped in to stage a scaled-down version of the event after Victoria in Australia pulled out as hosts three years ago.
Ramsay-Peaty, 31, admitted he came close to quitting the sport after failing to defend his 100m breaststroke Olympic title in Paris. He described the period as a "self-destructive spiral" as he battled injury problems and mental health struggles.
He married model Holly Ramsay — daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay — in December and spent part of their honeymoon in Australia training with former coach Mel Marshall.
The addition of the shorter 50m breaststroke to the Los Angeles Olympic programme has reignited his passion. But he was reminded of the challenge ahead when he finished fourth in his signature event at a meet in Edinburgh in March.
Peaty responded in trademark fashion by reclaiming his British 50m and 100m breaststroke titles last month, posting times that rank him No 1 in the Commonwealth this season.
"Being selected to represent your country is always an honour and there is something special about a home Commonwealth Games," said Ramsay-Peaty. "This event also marks a significant milestone in my international career, which began in Glasgow 12 years ago at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. I'm particularly excited to compete in Scotland this summer because I know everyone will come together to make it a brilliant occasion."
Ramsay-Peaty — who has won four Commonwealth golds and three silvers — is aiming to become the first British swimmer to win titles at four separate Games. South African Chad Le Clos won seven golds between 2010 and 2018 but just missed out on the podium top spot four years ago in Birmingham.
Ramsay-Peaty, who is the oldest member of England's swim team, will be joined by fellow Olympic champions Tom Dean and James Guy, as well as six Paralympic gold medallists, including two-time Commonwealth champion Alice Tai.
Dean – whose battle with Scotland's Duncan Scott in the 200m freestyle is expected to be one of the Games highlights – missed the recent national championships as he continues to rehab from a shoulder injury.
"It's brilliant to be able to announce such strong swimming and para-swimming squads for Glasgow 2026," said Team England chef de mission Jonathon Riall. "We have a number of returning Commonwealth champions and true stars of the sport, alongside some new faces who are set to make their mark this summer."
Australia are likely to send a strong team to Glasgow, with their trials next month in Sydney, as Olympic champions Kaylee McKeown and Cameron McEvoy are expected to be among the squad. However, four-time Olympic and seven-time Commonwealth champion Ariarne Titmus won't be adding to her medal tally after announcing her retirement at the age of 25 last year and will be in Scotland as a broadcaster instead.
