Viewers have reacted negatively over Adam Peaty's 'disrespectful' comments towards the Commonwealth Games after downplaying its importance in a BBC interview.
The Olympic champion was beaten in Sunday's final of the 100m breaststroke by fellow England teammate James Wilby, ending up fourth overall. He had just returned to performing after suffering a serious foot injury while describing his placement as 'a bad day at the office.'
On Monday evening, he earned back some of his glory in the semi-finals of the 50m breaststroke by winning the race. Adam was then interviewed poolside by BBC's Sharron Davies, Chronicle Live reports.
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In the interview, he had complained about being held for too long on the blocks at the beginning of the race. He proceeded to tell Sharon it was a case of "job done, back to bed," while adding: "it doesn't feel amazing, but it doesn't feel bad either."
In response to this, Sharon accused him of being "a little bit blasé," while adding: "You really want it. It's the one you missed out on." However, he replied: "It'll probably be my last attempt tomorrow, but I'm not bothered about it.
"The Commonwealths to me, in the grand scheme of things...it's about two years time (the Olympics). That's no disrespect. I'm still four weeks into my programme, I can't put that expectation on myself."
The live broadcast quickly cut back to the BBC studio, where host Clare Balding asked Mark Foster what he though of Adam's comments. He said: "I think he's trying to say it doesn't matter. It does matter, it's the Commonwealth Games, it's a multi-sport event and I think when he was growing up, the Commonwealth Games would have been a big deal.
"But the fact that he's won lots of Worlds and Olympic Games, maybe he's trying to play it down to himself that it doesn't matter." Mark noted how Adam's comments came across as "a bit disrespectful" due to the fact James Wilby was in fact stood next to him when the comments were made.
It seems a lot of viewers agree with Mark's criticism, with @dan_ynwa on Twitter writing: "Adam peaty is disrespectful to every other athlete at the commonwealth games Acting like he doesn’t care While all the other athletes are trying they best to win medals," with @lukefmorris posting: "Adam Peaty just did one of the worst interviews I’ve seen by a sportsperson. Dissing the #CommonwealthGames and his fellow athletes."
@BridgemanCath wrote: "Adam Peaty, I think you need to take a deep breath, have a word with yourself and take a look at the para swimmers. Used to really respect you and what you were trying to achieve but feel let down by tonight's comments."
Some other viewers said the BBC reporters should have been tougher on Adam for his comments. However, other viewers supported Adam's comments, with Brandon writing on Twitter: "Gotta love everyone slamming @adam_peaty when they don't know the pain of competing through an injury coupled with the heartbreak of losing your streak will make you say anything to brush it off and appear strong still. Every other interview I've ever seen he seems humble and kind."
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