**Gordon Ramsay’s Unexpected Role in Olympic Champion Adam Peaty’s Revival**
Adam Peaty, famed for his dominance in the swimming arena with Team GB, has credited celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay with steering him away from the brink of depression at a low-point in his life. Peaty, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, opened up recently about the pivotal influence the TV chef has had—an influence that, according to many observers, perfectly encapsulates Ramsay’s hands-on, no-nonsense approach.
Peaty, 30, boasts an extraordinary swimming career. He shot to global prominence at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver as part of the 4x100m medley relay team. He added to his medal tally at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, repeating gold in the 100m breaststroke and securing further medals in relay events. Most recently, at the 2024 Paris Games, he came away with a silver medal in one of swimming’s most hotly contested races, just a breath behind Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi.
Despite his glittering career, Peaty’s journey outside of the pool was anything but plain sailing. In the wake of losing his unbeaten streak at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the athlete found himself grappling with depression and dependency on alcohol. The personal toll was heightened by the breakdown of his relationship with the mother of his young son, leaving him confronting what he has since described as “three years of hell”.
It was during this tumultuous period, however, that Peaty’s life intersected with that of Gordon Ramsay through Ramsay’s daughter, Holly. The initial spark between Holly and Adam was ignited after Peaty appeared alongside Holly’s sister, Tilly, on the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Their friendship deepened in the months that followed, eventually blossoming into romance by spring 2023.
According to Peaty, Ramsay’s resilient mindset and bullish professionalism made a profound impression. Speaking to The Sunday Times, the Olympian explained how the chef’s relentless drive and refusal to accept excuses pushed him to refocus. “He [Gordon] is an incredible energy to be around and an incredible person to have that guidance from,” Peaty reflected. He added, “Gordon is a high performer. He worked his way up to the top of his industry and still doesn’t let anyone get away with anything. I take a lot from that—his professionalism and relentless pursuit.”
With Ramsay’s support, Peaty successfully navigated his way back to both sporting form and personal stability, putting behind a lifestyle, in his own words, “fuelled by distraction”. The couple’s bond has continued to grow, solidified with joint tattoo dedications revealed in December, followed later by a heartfelt engagement announcement on Instagram in September last year.
Holly Ramsay’s social media post announced the engagement with an outpouring of affection, writing, “I am marrying my best friend… Everything is better with you. Everything has been better since you. Here’s to forever.” She expressed gratitude not only for Peaty’s presence in her life, but also for his son George, highlighting the depth of their relationship.
It seems Peaty’s rapport with his soon-to-be father-in-law extends beyond mere niceties. During a recent exchange, Ramsay showed his trademark wit and candour while questioning Peaty about post-Olympic plans. The chef bantered with his future son-in-law, dismissing any thoughts of retirement with a blunt, “You’re full of s***! You are definitely not retiring,” before urging, “Very best of luck. Don’t f*** this up.”
Witnesses to Ramsay’s distinctive style suggest that his influence can be transformative, particularly for high performers coping with public scrutiny and private pressures. In Peaty’s case, the chef was both a motivator and a mentor at a time when the athlete most needed someone who understood the demands of exceptional achievement—and the cost it can exact.
Through both sporting setbacks and personal strife, Peaty’s journey is a reflection of resilience shaped not just by his own will, but by the unlikely kinship and tough love of Britain’s most famous chef. With a 2024 silver now joining his impressive medal haul and a wedding on the horizon, Peaty’s story continues, bolstered by the formidable spirit of Team Ramsay.