How Adam Peaty is ‘more isolated than ever’ in marriage to Holly Ramsay after latest ‘tragic’ move

AS his personal life erupted around him, previously Adam Peaty could always at least rely on his “swim family” – the tight circle of friends around him in the otherwise competitive sport. But while they were always a pillar of support amid the highly-publicised family fall-outs, during his last tournament it was clear that ship had sailed too – leaving the swimmer and wife Holly Ramsay more isolated than ever before. Adam Peaty is no longer friends with fellow swimmer Michael Gunning Credit: instagram/michaelgunning1 Insiders say his life now fully revolves around his wife Holly Ramsay Credit: INSTAGRAM In a tragic twist, last week his former best friend, Michael Gunning, revealed his heartache at no longer having Adam, 31, or his son George in his life. Retired swimmer Michael went on record to say he wishes him the best, but behind the scenes his actions tell a different story. The break-up has been so tough, Michael ended up having therapy to deal with it. In a desperate attempt to reconnect, Michael reached out to Adam’s ex Eirianedd Munro on their son George’s sixth birthday. In a heartbreaking comment he wrote: “Happy birthday George!!!! Six is my lucky number. Please send him all my love & tell him I miss him lots!!” He would perhaps have written it on Adam’s own tribute to his son but was disheartened to learn he had been blocked and unfollowed by both Adam and his new wife Holly, who is now pregnant with their first child. It no doubt came as a huge blow for the man who for many years had been his rock – helping him navigate early parenthood, his split and most importantly his career. An insider said: “On the outside it seems great that Michael has publicly wished him well but the whole situation is tragic. “People who know both the men think Michael hasn’t been treated very well at all throughout all of this. “It was a surprise he chose to speak about it but his message to George reveals how he really feels about it all.” The insider continued: “Michael has offered an olive branch as such, but no one is holding out any hope that Adam will respond. “He is completely laser focused on Holly and has ignored any attempts to reconcile with his mum. “Holly and Adam are very isolated really – none of his former life is involved with his new life at all.” Michael has been forced to move on, but has his absence had more of an impact on Adam than anyone thought? Just four years ago Michael was very much in his corner. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Adam was cheered on by his then partner Eiri, his son George, mum Caroline, and Michael. He ended up with one gold and one silver medal. Fast forward to this year’s games, held in Glasgow over the summer, and Adam was cheered on solely by Holly and his business partner Edward. He came away with two Bronze medals – and made it very clear publicly that he wasn’t happy with that. An insider said: “The swimming community is very tight knit, these athletes spent a lot of time together, training, living together often and they go through some real highs and lows together. “Unfortunately, Adam has completely distanced himself from his former friends and it has made some people feel uncomfortable. Michael has said he had therapy to deal with losing Adam as a friend Credit: Instagram /MichaelGunning1 Michael is close to Adam’s mum, which is said to have been the root of their fallout Credit: Instagram/@SWIM “Michael may not be a swimmer anymore but he usually would have been very prominent around the Games as a host, especially with his role at Pride House. His absence this time was noticeable. “This games felt very different to the last one and people are talking about it.” The swimming community first became aware of Adam’s fallout with Michael when The Sun revealed he had been uninvited from his wedding last December. Those close to the feuding Peaty family claimed gold medallist Michael was shunned after “staying close” to Adam’s mum Caroline. Caroline was of course also disinvited from the wedding after being snubbed from Holly’s hen-do – with the Peatys feeling “pushed aside”. Adam has since stopped speaking to his sister Bethany too, despite her being the only family member to attend the wedding. (L to R) Gordon, Tana, Holly, and Adam – the Ramsay family are now Adam’s biggest supporters Credit: Getty Mum Caroline Peaty and son Adam Peaty in happier times Credit: Shutterstock In a heartbreaking post days before the couple’s nuptials, Michael admitted he had been “dropped by friends and left broken by them” as he reflected on the past year. Nearly ten months on from the snub, Michael reflected on his former friendship saying: “I have so many happy memories, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without having him as a friend.” In a devastating confession, he added: “I’ve always found it hard when people leave, and that’s probably why I’ve never been in a relationship, but therapy has helped me process that better and understand that people come and go from your life, and you’ve just got to be grateful for the time you had with them.” Only a few years before he had described himself and Adam as “really good friends”. He told how they lived together during lockdown and trained together. He admitted: “Without him, I really wouldn’t be standing here. So, I’m so grateful.” And while Adam might have built a brand-new life with Holly, he has been stripped of the inner circle that once carried him through his hardest laps – and it’s starting to show. The Sun has contacted Adam and Michael for comment.