The Indomitable COVID Virus Continues to Evolve
Golden dreams amidst viral realities: a state of the wave assessment
As Adam Peaty stood on the edge of the starting block, he knew he wasn’t just preparing for another race; he could become the first swimmer ever to clinch the Men’s 100m Breaststroke title in three consecutive Olympic Games. But in a heart-pounding finish, it was Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi who snatched the gold by a mere 0.02 seconds, leaving Peaty and America’s Nic Fink in a dramatic tie for second with a time of 59.05 seconds.
The world and Olympic record holder found solace in his silver, calling it a ‘victory for him,’ but the victory was short-lived. Less than 24 hours later, Peaty tested positive for COVID-19.
The British Olympic committee announced that Peaty felt ill before the 100-meter breaststroke final and his symptoms worsened after the race, leading to the positive test. The swimmer confirmed his diagnosis on social media.
Undeterred by his diagnosis, just a week later, Peaty made a stunning return to the pool, leading Britain to a remarkable 4th place finish in the 4 x 100m medley relay. While there was no medal to claim, this performance was a testament to his resilience and might just be an achievement that transcends the shine of metal.
