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Gunning's Award Speech: Light in Dark Times
25 Oct
Summary
- Michael Gunning won Sports Personality at the Ethnicity Awards.
- He dedicated his award to those who helped him through dark times.
- Gunning is no longer speaking terms with former friend Adam Peaty.
Michael Gunning, a former close friend of Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, has been recognized with the Sports Personality award at the Ethnicity Awards. Gunning dedicated his win to individuals who have experienced isolation, highlighting the significance of support networks during challenging phases of life.
This accolade comes as Gunning is no longer on speaking terms with Peaty. Their friendship reportedly deteriorated around the time of Peaty's wedding to Holly Ramsay in December 2025. Gunning had previously alluded to being 'dropped by friends' during that period.
Despite the strained relationship, Gunning stated in September 2026 that he harbors no bitterness towards Peaty, attributing his healing process to therapy. He expressed gratitude for their past friendship and wished Peaty, his wife, and their baby daughter happiness.
The article also details a significant feud within the Peaty family, which began in late 2024. This dispute led to estrangement from most of Adam's immediate family members, who were notably absent from his wedding. Tensions escalated with an alleged arrest of Adam's brother and a subsequent distancing from his sister, Bethany, by September 2026.
Adam Peaty has acknowledged the psychological impact of this public family drama on his performance. He has expressed openness to reconciliation, contingent on visible personal change from his family members. Meanwhile, both Adam and Holly Ramsay, along with Adam's brother James and sister Bethany, are expecting children, with babies due in late 2026.
