Swimming masterclass in Leeds
Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew is holding a swimming masterclass at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds later. He'll be training people who've signed up for this year's Swimathon charity event.
Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew is holding a swimming masterclass at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds later. He'll be training people who've signed up for this year's Swimathon charity event.
Double Olympic medalist, Rebecca Adlington, has announced on Twitter that she is engaged.
Rebecca began her swimming career in Mansfield before competing at two Olympic Games where she won four medals – two gold and two bronze.
She's engaged to fellow swimmer Harry Needs.
Had the best weekend ever!!! Thank you @harryneeds for making me the happiest person ever right now #engaged #isaidyes
From @BeckAdlington on Twitter:Popped the big question to the wifey @beckadlington & were now #engaged #shesaidyes happiest man on earth
From @Harryneeds on Twitter:If you like then you should put a ring onit ????
From @Harryneeds on Twitter:Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has thanked all those who have supported her throughout her career.
In a series of tweets and in a longer article on her website Rebecca thanked, "all my swimming teaches/coaches when I was young. You made it so much fun!"
In a statement connected to her retirement she also said, "To everyone in Mansfield who has believed in me from day one. It will always be my home. I'm a proud Mansfield girl!!"
Obviously I have announced the end of my competitive swimming career. Sad in many ways but also so exciting. New chapter of my life begins!
From @BeckAdlington on Twitter:Thank you so everyone who supported me! Too many to thank in 140 characters so all said here... http://t.co/lebhW4IQ
From @BeckAdlington on Twitter:Its been an incredible journey, one I will treasure and remember for the rest of my life. Thank you x
From @BeckAdlington on Twitter:Speaking to ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott, Rebecca Adlington has said she will stay involved with swimming as she retires from competition.
She said; "swimming is my passion, it's been that since I was young. Since i was four years old, getting in the pool I just absolutely loved it. I want to stay involved with that in all levels."
The double Olympic champion also explained why she is retiring at just 23-years-old saying, "women tend to be four years younger then men [on the team] and especially for my event, for distance swimming you are a lot younger."
Britain's double Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington has retired from competition to concentrate on grassroots coaching,.
Read the full story– British Olympic Association Chair Lord Sebastian CoeBecky Adlington's unforgettable success in Beijing inspired a generation to get in the pool and swim. Her down to earth personality and remarkable career achievements have made her a national treasure. Becky's vision for the future of grass roots swimming in this country will create a wonderful legacy from one of our greatest Olympians. I have no doubt this vision will be pursued with the same drive, dedication and determination as Becky consistently displayed in the pool.
Michael Phelps, the 18-times Olympic gold medal winner, has paid his tribute to Rebecca Adlington's "fantastic career."
– Michael PhelpsOur paths have crossed many times over the years - at meets and through a shared sponsor.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves, she has been a great representative for British Swimming and the sport overall. I congratulate her on a fantastic career and wish her all the best in the future.
Rebecca Adlington's long term coach Bill Furniss has paid tribute to the swimmer as she announces her retirement:
Proud to have been Rebecca's coach the same qualities that made her the best ever will ensure success in everything she does
From @billH20 on Twitter:Olympians have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Rebecca Adlington and to wish her luck as she retires from competitive swimming.
Boxer Anthony Ogogo, heptathlete Louise Hazel and open water swimmer Kari-anne Payne tweeted:
@beckadlington All the best for your retirement Becks. You'll go down as an absolute legend in the pool. Good luck in the future love x
From @AnthonyOgogo on Twitter:Happy Retirement! @beckadlington best wishes x
From @LouiseHazel on Twitter:So unbelievably proud of @beckadlington and honoured to have been on some of your journey with you. I miss you alread!! xxxxx #legend
From @KeriannePayne on Twitter:• Born on 17th February 1989 in Mansfield.
• Joined Nova Centurian swimming club at the age of 12 where she met her long term coach Bill Furniss.
• Adlington has won titles at Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth level making her the most successful British swimmer of the modern era.
• Adlington's victory in the 2008 Olympic 800m freestyle final broke swimming’s longest standing world record with a time of 8:14.10.
• Adlington became the first British swimmer to win more than one gold medal at a single Olympic Gamers since Henry Taylor in 1908.