Baffled Adam Peaty urges Government to reconsider decision to keep pools closed

Adam Peaty says he is baffled by the continued closure of swimming pools and has urged the Government to reconsider its decision.

The 100m Breaststroke Olympic champion and world record holder has thrown his weight behind Swim England’s #OpenOurPools campaign after the Government said facilities would not reopen as initially indicated on 4 July.

More than 37,000 people have now signed Swim England’s petition calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to urgently review the decision not to allow swimming pools to reopen in the latest wave of easing lockdown measures – and to announce a date when they may without delay.

Peaty said: “I am really frustrated and very disappointed with the Government’s decision to keep swimming pools closed.

“Whilst I’ve been able to re-start training at Loughborough under strict guidelines, other swimmers haven’t been so fortunate.

Huge impact

“I also think the Government has massively underestimated the importance of people’s physical and mental health – swimming is huge in our country with many people depending on it and needing it now more than ever.

“Whilst of course the health and safety of everyone must be our absolute priority, I am baffled by the decision to keep gyms and pools closed whilst at the same time re-opening pubs and other leisure facilities.

“This decision will have a huge impact on so many people and I just don’t think the reasoning behind the decision had been communicated properly.

“I really hope that by backing Swim England’s #OpenOurPools campaign, we can urge the Government to reconsider.”