Olympic champion Adam Peaty calls on PM to explain why pools will not reopen

Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty has pleaded with the Prime Minister to explain why swimming pools will not reopen in the latest easing of lockdown measures.

The 100m Breaststroke world record holder tweeted Boris Johnson after he said facilities would remain closed in a statement to the House of Commons.

Peaty wrote: “Please @BorisJohnson give us a reason why pools will be one of the last things to open?”

He included the #OpenOurPools being used by Swim England as part of its campaign to urge the Government to reconsider the decision immediately.

Peaty is one of several athletes to lend their support to the #OpenOurPools campaign.

Fellow breaststroke swimmer James Wilby, who was second to Peaty in the 2019 World Championships, also expressed his dismay at the decision.

He wrote on Twitter: “This is crazy… places of arguably greater risk opening before swimming pools and gyms!

“Physical fitness and mental wellbeing can be done safely in pools with @Swim_England working hard to provide support so that venues are ready to go. #OpenOurPools.”

Totally wrong

Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington and James Guy said it was incredibly disappointing to see pools neglected by Mr Johnson, while Paralympic champion Ellie Robinson also posted on social media thanking Swim England for launching the campaign.

Triple World Para-swimming Champion Tully Kearney also wrote: “From 4 July, pubs, restaurants, hair salons, cinemas and museums can open for business but pools have to remain closed!

“Swim England worked tirelessly to produce its Returning to the Pool guidance to help ensure a safe return. This decision seems totally wrong.”

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Lauren Quiqley also encouraged all ‘the disappointed swimming family’ to sign the Swim England petition to #OpenOurPools.