Team GB: Rebecca Adlington – turning a life skill into Olympic gold

At the age of 19, Rebecca won two gold medals in both the 400-metre and 800-metre freestyle at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. This was the first gold medal for Team GB in women’s swimming since 1960.

“After winning my first gold medal in Beijing, the most overwhelming emotion was shock,” says Rebecca. But being the professional that she is, her next immediate thought went straight onto the next race.

“As soon as I got out of the pool, I was already thinking about recovery, physio and nutrition ahead of the 800 metres.”

This mentality won Rebecca her second gold medal, adding her name to a small group of female multi-medal-winning athletes.

“In 2008, there weren’t many female multi-medallists at the Games, and I was coming in at an amazing time where Team GB athletes were getting publicity and becoming role models,” she explains. “It was great to have that presence and be that inspiration to young girls watching at home.”

It didn’t stop there for Rebecca. She went on to win a further two Olympic medals in London in 2012 – bronze in both the 400-metre and 800-metre freestyle. 

Next generation

Being an inspiration to the next generation continues to be a passion for Rebecca since retirement.

“Grassroots is a fundamental for swimming. We don’t have future athletes if we don’t have grassroots. Since 2010, nearly 400 swimming pools have been shut down in the UK which will be creating this gap in stars for the future.

“British swimming had a brilliant Games at Tokyo in 2021, and a lot of that could be stemmed from them watching our success in London in 2012. But if we don’t have pools for athletes to start training in, who knows where we will be further down the line?”

It’s not just the lack of facilities that Rebecca wants to resolve. The stigma that sports are only for boys still remains, which could be putting off any future female athletes from taking up a sport in the first place.

“Having a daughter, I want her to see women achieving great things and being included in sports,” she says. “I don’t want her to be scared that she can’t play football at school with the boys. I love it when she comes home and says she’s getting involved and breaking down those barriers.

“There are so many benefits of getting into sport. I want my daughter to have an active lifestyle, and being a part of a sports club will get her into a healthy routine. Sports clubs are run by local communities who are family-orientated and create a great environment.”

Swimming as a non-negotiable

Since retiring from competitive swimming in 2013, Rebecca has stayed close to the pool. She started a programme named ‘Swim’ that helps children from 0-11 years old grow confidence in the water.

“Starting Swim is one of my proudest achievements. We’re not an elite club, but we start them young so it builds their confidence early and they will be safer in the water as they grow up. We’re so exposed to water in this country, it’s a non-negotiable being able to swim.

“Promoting swimming as a skill is my life now, it’s my job. I always get asked, ‘do you miss swimming?’, but I’m still so involved.”

Rebecca adds, “Even though I’m not competing anymore, I still see a pool every week of my life – I’ve just moved departments.”

Next generation

Being an inspiration to the next generation continues to be a passion for Rebecca since retirement.

“Grassroots is a fundamental for swimming. We don’t have future athletes if we don’t have grassroots. Since 2010, nearly 400 swimming pools have been shut down in the UK which will be creating this gap in stars for the future.

“British swimming had a brilliant Games at Tokyo in 2021, and a lot of that could be stemmed from them watching our success in London in 2012. But if we don’t have pools for athletes to start training in, who knows where we will be further down the line?”

It’s not just the lack of facilities that Rebecca wants to resolve. The stigma that sports are only for boys still remains, which could be putting off any future female athletes from taking up a sport in the first place.

“Having a daughter, I want her to see women achieving great things and being included in sports,” she says. “I don’t want her to be scared that she can’t play football at school with the boys. I love it when she comes home and says she’s getting involved and breaking down those barriers.

“There are so many benefits of getting into sport. I want my daughter to have an active lifestyle, and being a part of a sports club will get her into a healthy routine. Sports clubs are run by local communities who are family-orientated and create a great environment.”

All eyes on Paris

Ahead of Paris, Rebecca is excited to see the return of the Olympic spirit so close to home.

“It’s amazing to have the crowds back in the stands, cheering on the athletes. Having that energy around them will definitely be something special."

What she is most looking forward to as a fan of the Games is discovering who will be the next big thing.

“I have always loved a true underdog story. I’m excited to see who will be that next person bursting onto the scene. Whether it’s their personality, their backstory or individual performance, that’s what I’ll be watching out for.”

Reminiscing about her own training days, Rebecca relays some of the best advice she ever received.

“Leave no stone unturned. You can’t be thinking about the ‘what ifs’ after a race. You have to stick to the plan and give it your all.

“For the current athletes, they will have to be focused and locked in on their own race. My advice to them would be to remember why you’re there. Do the competition first and then you can really appreciate where you are and be a fan of the Games with the rest of us.”