Rebecca Adlington Talks Grassroots Swimming and Future Stars

Since the amazing Olympic Games in 2008, Rebecca Adlington has shifted gears from being a top swimmer to focusing on helping kids learn to swim. These days, she’s all about the basics and making sure children see swimming as an essential skill.

Growing up in a small town in Nottinghamshire, Rebecca’s parents made sure she and her sisters took swim lessons. To them, it was about safety during family vacations. But for Rebecca, this was just the start of something much bigger.

At just 19 years old, Rebecca shocked everyone when she won two gold medals in the 400-metre and 800-metre freestyle at the Beijing Olympics. It was a historic moment as it marked the first gold for Team GB in women’s swimming since 1960!

“The first feeling after winning my first gold medal was shock,” says Rebecca. But being the dedicated athlete she is, she quickly moved on to think about her next race, focusing on recovery and nutrition before the 800 metres.

This double victory made her part of an exclusive group of female multi-medal winners. “In 2008, there weren’t many women like me winning multiple medals. The presence of female athletes became a huge inspiration for young girls watching,” she shared.

Rebecca didn’t stop at Beijing; she added two more medals in the London 2012 Olympics—this time, bronze in both the 400 and 800 freestyles.

Even after hanging up her competitive swimming goggles in 2013, Rebecca remains passionate about inspiring the next generation of swimmers. “Grassroots is crucial for swimming. We can’t have future athletes without a strong foundation. Sadly, almost 400 swimming pools have closed across the UK since 2010, which creates a real gap in talent for the future,” she warns.

Rebecca believes that a lack of facilities isn’t the only hurdle. She’s concerned about the ongoing stereotypes that sports are only for boys, which can discourage future female athletes. “As a mom, I want my daughter to see women in sports and to feel confident playing,” says Rebecca.

She emphasizes the benefits of sports, saying that being part of a sports club helps kids have an active lifestyle and build social connections. “These clubs create great environments for children, promoting family values and community,” Rebecca notes.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics, Rebecca is thrilled about the excitement of having fans in the stands. “The energy from the crowd cheering for athletes is something really special,” she says.

As someone who loves underdog stories, Rebecca is eager to see who the next breakout star will be. “Whether it’s their personality or their incredible performances, I can’t wait to see who captures everyone’s heart at the Games,” she adds.

Remaining connected to swimming, Rebecca started a program named ‘Swim,’ helping children from ages 0-11 gain confidence in the water. “We’re not an elite club—we focus on building confidence early on, ensuring kids are safer in water as they grow,” she explains. “Swimming is a vital skill, especially since we’re surrounded by water here.”

Despite not swimming competitively anymore, Rebecca feels she’s still actively involved in the sport. “Even though I’m not competing, I still see a pool every week,” she laughs.