Adam Peaty defends newly-created professional swimmers' union ahead of World Championships in Hungary

The Global Association of Professional Swimmers (GAPS) was created earlier this month in response to changes to the Swimming World Cup

Adam Peaty is one of 30 swimmers to have joined the union (Getty)

Team GB Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty has claimed that a newly-created professional swimmers’ union is designed to improve relations with the sport’s authorities, not damage them.

The Global Association of Professional Swimmers (GAPS) was created earlier this month in response to changes to the Swimming World Cup by Fina, the sport’s governing body, which limited the number of events athletes can swim in at the tournament.

Peaty, one of 30 swimmers to become a member of the union upon its formation, says the idea behind the move was not to lock horns with Fina but to find a more effective way to solve disputes.

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“I wouldn’t say the union is against Fina. It is more to work with them,” he told The Independent. “We don’t want negatives or extra limelight. We want to highlight swimmers’ needs that have been ignored for some time.

“We hope some results might emerge in the next months. They have to start to realise our needs.”

Peaty is currently preparing to defend his 50m and 100m breaststroke titles at Fina’s 17th World Championships, which start in Hungary on Friday.

The 22-year-old believes he can do just that, confident that he has the edge in a category that he says has not made significant progress.

“My form is good at the moment. We don’t know what the environment will be like, but I might try to break some records.

“The rest of the world hasn’t really stepped up. There are some young ingenious swimmers from China and America, but it might be difficult [for them] to get near towards 57s on 100m.

“Maybe on the 50m it will be more competitive, but there are not many people at the moment.”

The 22-year-old Brit has recently been involved in promoting summer activities for kids, teaming up with Sun-Pat, and he is keen to highlight the importance of leading an active lifestyle.

“Being active is what makes an Olympian. My best memories are from summer,” the Rio gold medallist said. “The more people get outside and get involved, the better.”

Olympic gold Medalist Adam Peaty is working with Sun-Pat Peanut Butter to help get kids active throughout the summer holidays. Sun-Pat will be giving away 10 sports kits every day throughout the summer holidays - to win your pack, and for more ways to keep the kids active this summer, go to http://www.sunpat.co.uk/fuellingfamilies