Adam Peaty: Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? — FLAPSS

The question

Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

AP

Adam Peaty

British swimmer; Olympic champion 2016 and 2021

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

To the people who, because of my career, I cannot spend time with. I have to be selfish, unfortunately.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 January 2022 source ↗

Others on this question

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I did say sorry to my mum, for being the way I was when I was a teenager. You become a parent and go, “Oh my God, this is what they were doing.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 31 January 2026 source ↗

Julie Hesmondhalgh English actress and narrator

To all those whose fleeting interaction with me has fallen short of what they’d hoped; the unwitting recipients of my occasional grumpiness.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 17 February 2018 source ↗

Rhys Ifans Welsh actor and musician

To anyone I’ve unintentionally hurt or upset.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2019 source ↗

Archie Panjabi British actress

My dog, Mr Q, because he has the saddest look when I leave.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 February 2018 source ↗

More from Adam Peaty

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Question How close have you come to dying? Death & what remains

I was on a cliff in Dartmoor, doing a Royal Marine abseil. I fell upside down and thought, “I’m going to die here.”

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 January 2022 source ↗

Question How has a setback or failure set you up for later success? Failure & regret

When I lost that 100m final I spiralled. I went quite aggressive. It is an Adam I don't really recognise.

Recorded BBC Sport, 24 July 2024 source ↗

Question What thought won't let you sleep? Daily life

The realisation that I am not the best version of myself.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 January 2022 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

As a great man.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 January 2022 source ↗

Question In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to? Daily life

I'm tired, I'm not myself and I'm not enjoying the sport as I have done for the last decade. Some might recognise it as burnout; I just know that over the last few years I haven't had the answers.

Recorded Public statement announcing his break from swimming, April 2023, The Independent, 1 July 2023 source ↗

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