Becky Adlington retires

3:11 pm, Tue 05 Feb 2013

Watch ITV News Central tonight for more on Rebecca Adlington's retirement

ITV News Central correspondent, Pete Bearne, talking to Rebecca Adlington today Credit: ITV News Central

2:38 pm, Tue 05 Feb 2013

Rebecca put Mansfield on the map says Mayor

Mansfield's Executive Mayor, Tony Egginton, has told ITV News Central that Rebecca Adlington will become an inspirational business women from Nottinghamshire.

"We've all shed tears at some point," he said. "Rebecca has been tremendous for Mansfield, and she's put us on the map."

Rebecca Adlington looks forward to a 'new chapter'

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: ( 1:32 pm, Tue 05 Feb 2013)

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: ( 1:33 pm, Tue 05 Feb 2013)

Its been an incredible journey, one I will treasure and remember for the rest of my life. Thank you x

From @BeckAdlington on Twitter: ( 1:37 pm, Tue 05 Feb 2013)

2:07 pm, Tue 05 Feb 2013

Rebecca Adlington announces retirement, full report

Swimming star Becky Adlington from Nottinghamshire is retiring from the pool at the age of 23. She's decided to quit competitive sport because she feels she's too old to take on the very best.

Adlington won two gold medals at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Peter Bearne's report contains flash photography from the start.

11:03 am, Tue 05 Feb 2013 National

Rebecca Adlington retires from competitive swimming

Rebecca Adlington with the gold medal she won in the women's 400m freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Britain's double Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington has retired from competition to concentrate on grassroots coaching,.

Read the full story

10:54 am, Tue 05 Feb 2013 National

Seb Coe hails Rebecca Adlington's 'remarkable' career

Becky 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.

– British Olympic Association Chair Lord Sebastian Coe

Rebecca Adlington's international career

August 2008 - Won double Olympic gold in Beijing with victory in the 800m and 400m freestyle.
December 2008 - Came 3rd in the Sports Personality of the Year 2008.
January 2009 - Awarded an OBE by the Queen in the New Years Honours of 2009

October 2010 - Adlington claims Commonwealth gold in both the 800m and 400m freestyle in Delhi.
August 2012 – Had to settle for Olympic Bronze in the 800m and 400m freestyle in London.

In total Adlington won seven gold medals, three silver medals and seven bronze medals in international competition.

10:47 am, Tue 05 Feb 2013 National

Michael Phelps tribute to 'fantastic' Rebecca Adlington

Michael Phelps, the 18-times Olympic gold medal winner, has paid his tribute to Rebecca Adlington's "fantastic career."

Our 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.

– Michael Phelps