ADAM Peaty announced Wednesday he intends to compete at a fourth Olympics after six new swimming events were added to the 2028 Los Angeles Games in what he called “an amazing decision”.
The International Olympic Committee ratified a move that will see the 50-metre backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke all contested for the first time.
Previously, only freestyle was raced over the sport’s shortest distance despite all four strokes being on the schedule at world championships.
Britain’s Peaty is a two-time 100-metre breaststroke gold medallist and the world record holder over 50 metres.
The 30-year-old had previously stopped short of confirming his plans for Los Angeles, but the chance to win a 50 metres breaststroke title has convinced him to keep going.
“50-metre Sprint Events have just been added to la28games which confirms my attempt to be at my Fourth Olympic Games,” he said on Instagram.
“This is the best result for our incredible sport and will allow more people to be part of it and stay in it much longer. Thank you world aquatics for this amazing decision.
“I’ve got a good feeling about these next three years,” he added.
The additional 50-metre events bring the swimming gold medal count to 41 from 35 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. — AFP
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