Adam Peaty has been accused by his estranged family of 'cashing in' on his celebrity chef father-in-law Gordon Ramsay by competing in the Commonwealth Games under his new name. The Olympian, 31, who is hoping to make history at the upcoming event in July with Team England, is using his married name Adam Ramsay-Peaty because the 'Ramsay name opens door,' a family source insisted.
The insider told the Daily Mail on Thursday: 'As much as Adam wants to be a Ramsay, he is not. He is a Peaty. Adam has financial control and is cashing in on the Ramsay name because it opens doors. He is playing a role.'
The swimmer married Gordon's influencer daughter Holly Ramsay, 26, at a high-profile wedding at Bath Abbey in December, at which he banned his mother Caroline and other family members from attending due to an ongoing bitter feud, first revealed by this newspaper last autumn. He has been fully embraced by the world-famous TV chef and wife Tana and even now calls them 'dad' and 'mum.'
Family's Reaction
The source close to his 'devastated' mother and father Mark from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, who have supported him throughout his career, said: 'Adam is embarrassed of his roots and upbringing.' They say he has 'changed beyond belief' since becoming part of the Ramsay clan and have left the family 'hurt, disappointed, bewildered and devastated.'
Adam changing his name to Ramsay-Peaty and registering under the double-barrel surname for the Games in Glasgow is the latest blow for his estranged loved ones - especially as Ramsay is placed first before Peaty.
In a fresh swipe at the swimmer, the source said: 'Adam may be rich but we have something that he hasn't and that is brains, loyalty, integrity and family. Money makes for a cold bedfellow. It can't hold you tight when things go wrong or when you have a bad day.' They added: 'When you live to be famous you aren't living, you are playing a role. Fame is but fleeting but family is forever.'
Peaty's Career and Aspirations
The three-time Olympic champion is hoping to make history by becoming the first British swimmer to win gold medals at four consecutive Commonwealth events. It will be his first major event since tying the knot with Holly. He sealed his place in the Commonwealth Games after winning the 100-metre breaststroke at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in April - and being publicly praised by his proud wife.
He has previously won four Commonwealth gold medals and three silvers, having made his debut at the event in 2014. Commenting on his latest competition, the talented swimmer - the oldest member of the 42-strong England squad - said: 'Being selected to represent your country is always an honour, and there is something special about a home Commonwealth Games. The event also marks a significant milestone in my international career, which began in Glasgow 12 years ago at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. I'm particularly excited to compete in Glasgow this summer as I know everyone will come together to make it a brilliant occasion.'
While the talented swimmer had the grit, determination and drive needed to become a gold medallist, he also relied on the support of his doting parents to get him there. Peaty previously called them 'unsung heroes of our sport', while his coach Melanie Marshall claimed his appearance at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro would never have happened were it not for his family.
Recent Snub to Grandmother
His wife and her own immediate family has since replaced his parents as a primary source of support. Last month Adam snubbed his devoted grandma on her 84th birthday leaving her 'sad' and 'bewildered' just days after publicly marking Holly's brother Oscar turning seven. Mavis Peaty - famously dubbed 'Olympic Nan' for her unwavering support for her grandson during his victory in Rio in 2016 - celebrated her birthday quietly at home with Adam's mother.
A family source told the Daily Mail: 'There was no card, present, text from Adam wishing his nan happy birthday - absolutely nothing. He can post a happy birthday to Holly's brother Oscar but not his own nan. It is shameful really.' The insider added: 'How could he ignore his 84-year-old nan who has only ever loved and supported him. She is quite bewildered by it. What has his nan done wrong? It is very sad.'
