REBECCA ADLINGTON was reduced to tears in the BBC studio as Adam Peaty narrowly missed out on Olympic gold in Paris.
Peaty was just 0.02 seconds off retaining his title in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke, but ultimately settled for joint silver.
Adlington, who was watching on as part of the BBC‘s coverage, was left emotional at Peaty’s race, knowing the incredible journey he has been on.
Peaty is one of Team GB‘s most decorated athletes, battling with alcoholism and mental health issues to compete at the highest level.
Adlington was touched by his hard work and effort and got choked up as he was awarded a joint silver medal with the Team USA‘s Nic Fink after the pair finished in exactly the same time.
Adlington, who won Olympic gold twice for Team GB, said live on BBC: “I can’t stop crying. I feel just so emotional. It’s his little boy that’s got me.
“I just need to see that Adam’s smiling and I’ll be fine.
“We didn’t call that at all, did we? It was just one of those [races] that was so unpredictable.”
Peaty‘s toddler George was supporting him from the stands and he Brit swimmer was quick to give his son a cuddle after securing a silver medal.
The Olympic hero was more than satisfied with his efforts despite missing out on tasting gold again.
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Speaking after the race, he said: “In my heart I’ve already won.
“It’s been a very long way back and I look at the score there and you would never think in your wildest dream that it would be 59s to win it there.
“I executed as well as I could. It doesn’t matter what it says on the scoreboard because in my heart I know that I’ve won there.
“I’m not crying because I’ve come second, I’m crying because of how hard its been to get here.
“I’m a very religious man and I asked god just to show my heart and this is my heart, I couldn’t have done more.”
After hearing Peaty’s inspiring words, Adlington added: “As an athlete you know what he’s been through.
“I mean, I’ve achieved nothing compared to Adam. What he’s achieved it unbelievable, I can’t even get my head around it.”
Peaty’s chances of another gold to add to three he has already achieved are not over yet.
The 29-year-old still has a crack at both the Mixed and the Men’s 4x100m medley relay races.
Mixed 4x100m medley relay
Men’s 4x100m medley relay
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