Rio 2016: Adam Peaty’s parents would have missed their son’s Olympic heroics had their washing machine NOT broken down

ADAM PEATY'S parents would have missed his Rio 2016 heroics had their washing machine NOT broken down.

Disabled caretaker Mark Peaty, 56, and nursery manager wife Caroline, 50, live in a three-bed semi detached house in Uttoxeter, near Derby, with son and Olympic gold medallist Adam, 21.

Last month they called a repairman out to mend their dodgy washing machine but feared the cost would leave them without enough money to cheer on their beloved boy in Brazil.

Mark said: "The engineer was a friendly chap and during conversation mentioned his daughter swam. Of course being a proud dad, I told him about Adam and his journey.

"We mentioned we were hoping to go to Rio to support Adam if he qualified, but had been trying to get hold of tickets since December and costs were through the roof.

"The process of acquiring tickets and finding accommodation was far from easy.

"Firstly you can't take for granted your child will make the team, but booking and acquiring tickets needed to be done a long time before trials.

"The price of tickets went up considerably but Caroline was heartbroken when she wasn't able to see Adam make the Great Britain squad due to work and financial reasons, so there was added pressure on us making the Rio trip."

Amazingly, the repairman, who works for , had his employers muster up the cash to send the Peatys to Rio.

Young Adam smashed his own world record to win the 100m breaststroke in 57.13 seconds and ended Britain's 28-year wair for a men's Olympic swimming title.

And watching proudly from the crowd was his mum, dad and girlfriend Anna Zair, 19.

Emotional mum Caroline gushed: "I'm so proud of our son. We knew what he was capable of, but the world records - in addition to the gold medal - is something else.