Adam Peaty has insisted he's not ready to make a final decision on retirement after the swimming star missed out on victory in the men's 4x100m medley relay race at the Paris Olympics on Sunday.
The 29-year-old was left frustrated following the event, with China winning gold to shatter his hopes of a sixth Olympic gold medal.
In the immediate aftermath of the race, Peaty hinted he could be about to retire.
"If my heart wants it, my heart wants it, and I'll absolutely sign that contract with myself to do it," he said.
Adam Peaty has insisted he's not ready to make a final decision on retirement after the swimming star missed out on victory in the men's 4x100m medley relay race at the Paris Olympics on Sunday
GMB
"Maybe a long way away. But I think I've got to step away from the sport, really, because it's just hurt too much this time.. It really has."
Peaty has now been asked about his future in an interview with Great Morning Britain.
And the 29-year-old kept his cards close to his chest, insisting he wasn't yet ready to make a definitive decision.
"I'm looking forward to a bit of rest, not going to lie, it's been a very tough mountain to climb," he said.
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"No decisions and those decisions don't need to be made.
"It's the morning after our last race and end of the day, we want to live in the present and worry about tomorrow when it comes. "Just looking forward to getting home and chilling out for a bit."
After the race, Peaty also took aim at China.
Two members of the Chinese relay team allegedly tested positive for banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) in the build-up to the Tokyo Games, before then being allowed to compete in 2021 after Chinese anti-doping agency claimed the substance was consumed by mistake.
Peaty questioned the legitimacy of their win on Sunday, with the Olympics icon adding: "One of my favourite quotes I've seen lately is that there's no point winning if you're not winning fair.
"I think you know that truth in your heart.
"If you touch and you know that you're cheating, you're not winning.
"For me, if you've been on that and you have been 'contaminated' twice, I think as an honourable person you should be out of the sport.
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Adam Peaty at least has one medal to show for his efforts at the Paris Olympics
PA
"I don't want to paint a whole nation or group of people with one brush, I think that's very unfair. But there have been two cases of it and it's very disappointing.
"But I think to the people that need to do their job - wake up and do your job.
"I think we have to have faith in the system. But we also don't. I think it's got to be stricter."
Peaty told GMB's Jonathan Swain that he was still struggling with the effects of coronavirus, having recently tested positive.
Adam Peaty took aim at the Chinese athletes who won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics on Sunday
PA
He reportedly told Swain that he can barely hear in one of his ears at the current moment in time.
Peaty also called girlfriend Holly Ramsay a 'wonderful woman' and hailed her for supporting him during his time in France.