Following tears in Paris, more emotion surfaced in Glasgow.

Even the accomplished Adam Ramsay-Peaty now questions how much effort remains worthwhile.

"I train far more intensely than the results indicate," the Englishman remarked after claiming 100m breaststroke bronze at the Commonwealth Games, his face flushed with feeling.

"The pain runs deep. Training methods must change because the hurt feels overwhelming."

Ramsay-Peaty has achieved nearly everything possible in swimming.

Three Olympic gold medals. Eight world titles. The 14 quickest times ever recorded.

Yet after pausing his career due to mental health struggles in 2023, he continues seeking that top podium moment at major events.

He fell short of Olympic gold in Paris two years prior. In Glasgow, despite entering as the top qualifier, bronze proved the outcome.

Australia's Sam Williamson and Jersey's rising star Filip Nowacki, an 18-year-old mentee, both finished ahead.

Ramsay-Peaty sat third at the midpoint and could not recover ground. His mark of 59.65 seconds lagged over four-tenths behind his semifinal effort and three seconds off his best from seven years earlier.

"Returning to competition demanded bravery, so any achievement merits appreciation, yet that clashes with my inner drive and goals," he noted.

"I believe greater rewards are due. Sport rarely delivers based on merit or effort alone - it favors whoever performs when it counts.

"I recognize my superior ability. The outcome stings deeply."

Ramsay-Peaty has discussed tough choices tied to elite competition. Time apart from his son, held close after the Paris silver. Missed family occasions at home.

"These represent decisions rather than sacrifices," he explained.

"It resembles early World Cup elimination for a strong squad. Awareness of greater potential amplifies the sting, knowing the long wait until the next major meet.

"This likely marks my final Commonwealth Games realistically, and preparation suggested stronger results. Improvement seemed possible. Faster times came this season. That fuels the disappointment."

Ramsay-Peaty has openly stated his ongoing pursuit of Olympic gold.

Retirement crossed his mind post-Paris, but he opted for four more years once the 50m event joined the Los Angeles 2028 schedule.

This 100m breaststroke remains his signature distance - unbeaten for eight years - though a shift may eventually occur.

The 50m sprint imposes less physical strain, and Ramsay-Peaty returns to action in that event Sunday morning.

"Does the 100m still make sense? The answer remains unclear," he said.

"Such intense disappointment points to the 50m as my key strength given my power.

"For the Olympics, that distance appears more attainable, though decisions can wait.

"I feel maximum effort went into this cycle. Reduced input might not have yielded better outcomes."

The visible emotion raises questions about how near Ramsay-Peaty stands to full retirement.

He neared that edge yet stepped back, affirming his focus on Los Angeles.

"Without doubt," he affirmed.

"I understand my sprinting identity. Strong performances remain possible based on past results. Skills do not vanish suddenly.

"Adjustments to the approach are needed to regain that pace."