Adam Peaty wrote his name in the record books on Monday as he became the first British swimmer to retain an Olympic title with an emphatic victory in the final of the men’s 100 metres breaststroke at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
Peaty, 26, stormed to Team GB’s first gold of Tokyo 2020 in a time of 57.37secs, with Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands 0.63s behind in second.
Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi secured bronze in a time of 58.33s as Peaty’s compatriot James Wilby missed out on a podium position, finishing fifth in 58.96s.
There was an air of inevitability to Peaty’s victory as he recorded the fifth fastest time in history.
Not only is his personal best over this distance almost one second better than anyone else in the sport, but he continued a proud record of being undefeated in seven years in major competitions.
“I haven’t felt this good since 2016, it just means the world to me,” Peaty told the BBC.
“I didn’t have the best preparation of my life. But you throw that out the window.
“That’s really what it takes to be an athlete. It’s not who’s the best all year round, it’s who’s the best on the day.”
'Unmatchable' Peaty
Peaty's positivity was transferred to Twitter after the race, where he dedicated the win to his country, son and family.
Team GB also lauded the "unbeatable" swimmer.
Although no one was more delighted by the result than Caroline Peaty, the swimmer's "beyond proud" mother.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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