Swimming sensation Adam Peaty has admitted he has one eye on becoming a knight of the realm after his Olympic heroics in Rio.
Peaty beat his own world record en route to winning Great Britain’s first gold of the Games in the men’s 100 metres breaststroke before claiming a silver in the 4x100m medley relay.
The 21-year-old now holds the Olympics, World, European and Commonwealth titles following an incredible two years in the pool, and he hopes a knighthood will follow at some stage in his career.
“That is something I have always looked up to,” said Peaty.
“I don’t think I deserve it just yet – I think I have got a lot more to do and there are people on that team that deserve it a lot more than me – but that is one thing I have always wanted as a kid. Even a Member of the British Empire (MBE) sounds pretty cool.
“I am hugely patriotic. I love the Royal Family, and every aspect of Britain and what we have achieved in history. That such a small country can pack a big punch and that is what we have proven now.
“We beat China, who have a population of more than one billion people, so it just proves what we are capable of if we put our mind to it and come together as one team.”
Peaty, who arrived to a hero’s welcome as part of Team GB’s triumphant team at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 yesterday morning, now expects to take at least two months off from swimming.
But the Englishman says he will draw on his newly-found profile as an inspiration to hit the heights once more at the next Games in Tokyo in four years time.
“When you do well it always comes with challenges, and we are going to face a few challenges now,” Peaty added.
“Whereas before you could train, run round the park and walk down the shops that is probably not going to be the ideal any more, but it is more of a pleasure than a disadvantage because people really want you to do well. I need that support in the next four years.
“There is nothing better than seeing a kid running up to you and saying ‘are you Adam Peaty?’ I am looking forward to getting back to normal life but I don’t think that will happen for a few weeks.”