Adam Peaty’s painful family feud has taken another dramatic turn, with relatives accusing the Olympic swimmer of using his celebrity father-in-law Gordon Ramsay’s famous surname to boost his public image.
The 31-year-old swimming champion is set to compete for Team England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July under the name Adam Ramsay-Peaty, following his marriage to Gordon’s daughter Holly Ramsay, 26.
But the move has reportedly devastated members of his estranged family, who claim the decision feels like another public rejection of the Peaty name.
A family source told the Daily Mail: “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 insider also claimed Adam is “embarrassed of his roots and upbringing,” adding that his parents Mark and Caroline have been left “hurt, disappointed, bewildered and devastated.”
Adam married Holly in a high-profile ceremony at Bath Abbey in December, but his mother Caroline and other relatives were reportedly not invited amid the ongoing family fallout.
Since becoming part of the Ramsay family, Adam has been warmly embraced by Gordon and wife Tana, even publicly referring to them as “dad” and “mum.”
However, his relatives believe the name change is the latest painful sign that his old family ties have been pushed aside. The fact that Ramsay comes before Peaty in his new double-barrelled surname has only deepened the hurt.
In another emotional swipe, 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.”
Adam is preparing for what could be another historic chapter in his sporting career. He hopes to become the first British swimmer to win gold medals at four consecutive Commonwealth Games.
The event will also mark his first major competition since marrying Holly. He secured his place after winning the 100m breaststroke at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in April.
Speaking about his selection, Adam said: “Being selected to represent your country is always an honour, and there is something special about a home Commonwealth Games.”
He added: “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.”
But away from the pool, tensions remain raw. Last month, Adam was accused of snubbing his grandmother Mavis Peaty, known affectionately as “Olympic Nan,” on her 84th birthday.
A family source claimed there was “no card, present, text from Adam wishing his nan happy birthday — absolutely nothing,” adding: “He can post a happy birthday to Holly’s brother Oscar but not his own nan. It is shameful really.”
For Adam, Glasgow could be a chance to write sporting history. For his estranged family, however, his new name has become a symbol of a much deeper heartbreak.
