28-year-old Adam Peaty is one of swimming's great giants, with two straight Olympic golds in the 100-meter breaststroke and plenty of World Cup and European Championship golds in the same swim. He has also had great success with Great Britain in team races.
But behind the successes is a huge pressure that has led to mental illness, he now says in a post on Instagram.
"I've struggled with my mental health for the last few years and I think it's important to be honest about it. I'm tired, I'm not myself and I don't appreciate the sport in the same way I have for the last decade. Some would call it burnout. I just know I haven't had the answers I've been looking for in recent years. With help, I now know how to deal with the imbalance in my life".
Peaty says he continues to train but that he chooses to withdraw from the British Championships, which also serve as World Cup qualifiers.
His goal is to perform at his best in the upcoming Olympics in Paris in 2024.
"I am hugely grateful for all the support from the team, my sponsors, family and friends."