Rebecca Adlington
Adlington is Britain’s first Olympics swimming champion since 1988 and the first British swimmer to win two Olympic gold medals since 1908 and Great Britain’s most successful Olympic swimmer in 100 years.
Adlington set a new British, Commonwealth, European and Olympic record of 8:18.06 in the preliminary heats of the women’s 800 metre freestyle on 14 August 2008. She went on to win the 800 m Olympic freestyle final on 16 August 2008 in a world record time of 8:14.10, her second gold of the tournament, a full six seconds ahead of the silver medalist, and two seconds ahead of the former world record which had been set by Janet Evans when Adlington was 6 months old.
Personal Data
Date Of Birth 17th Feburary 1989
Born Mansfield, Notts
Height 179cm
Weight 70kg
Team/Club Nova Centurion
Coach Bill Furniss
Main Events 400 and 800m Freestyle
Personal Best
| Event | Time | Year | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Course 200m Freestyle | 1:56.66 | 2008 | |
| Long Course 400m Freestyle | 4:00.79 | 2009 | |
| Long Course 800m Freestyle | 8:14.10 | 2008 | WR |
| Long Course 400m Individual Medley | 4:56.34 | 2006 | |
| Short Course 200m Freestyle | 1:59.25 | 2007 | |
| Short Course 400m Freestyle | 4:04.19 | 2008 | |
| Short Course 800m Freestyle | 8:08.25 | 2008 | ER |
International Competitions
| Competition | Event | Year | Time | Medal/Position | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympics | 400m Freestyle | 2008 | 4:03.22 | GOLD | |
| 800m Freestyle | 2008 | 8:14.10 | GOLD | ||
| World Championships | Long Course 400m Freestyle | 2009 | 4:00.79 | BRONZE | |
| 4X200m Freestyle Relay | 2009 | 7:45.51 | BRONZE | ||
| Long Course 800m Freestyle | 2009 | 8:17.90 | |||
| SC 800m Freestyle | 2008 | 8:08.25 | GOLD | ||
| 4x200m Freestyle Relay | 2008 | 7:36.96 | SILVER | ||
| European Championships | LC 800m Freestyle | 2006 | 8:27.88 | SILVER |
Domestic Events
| Competition | Event | Year | Time | Medal/Position | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Championships | 800m Freestyle | 2009 | 8:18.86 | GOLD | |
| 400m Freestyle | 2009 | 4:00.89 | SILVER | ||
| 400m Freestyle | 2008 | 4:04.50 | GOLD | ||
| 200m Freestyle | 2008 | 1:57.94 | GOLD | ||
| 800m Freestyle | 2008 | 8:20.29 | GOLD | ||
| 800m Freestyle | 2006 | 8:30.40 | GOLD |
|
|
| 400m Freestyle | 2006 | 4:10.28 | SILVER | ||
| 200m Freestyle | 2006 | 2:01.34 | BRONZE | ||
In the Pool
Greatest Achievement to date Winning two Gold Medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing which included the world record in the 800m Freestyle
Aspirations To qualify for the Olympics in 2012
Training Regime I train ten times a week in the pool, each session lasts two hours. Additionally I spend one hour a day doing dry land work either running or gym work
Who has been greatest influence on you My coach Bill Furniss
Swimming Short term Goals To qualify for the Commonwealth Games
Swimming Long Term Goals To qualify for the London Olympics
When did you begin swimming I learnt to swim aged four following the footsteps of my two elder sisters and started competitvely for Sherwood Collery in Mansfield doing relays aged nine and individually at ten
Out of the Pool
Family Members Parents Kay and Steve, Older sisters - Chloe and Laura and dog Daisy
Studies Full time swimmer
Other sports I run a little
Ultimate Relaxation Staying in my joggers and watching a movie with friends
One thing you can’t live without Family
Last book read Chris Hoy's autobiography
Most surprising thing that has happened to me Getting an OBE aged twenty. Never expected to!
Tip for the top Enjoy what you do
Life after swimming? To enjoy new challenges and some lie ins!
How would you like to be remembered Someone who worked hard enjoyed what they did and hoepfully made a difference to the sport
Favourites
Films Love Comedy/Rom Coms. Too hard to pick all time favourite but the UglyTruth and The Hangover from the past twelve months
Band/Music Mixure of most genres, bit of Beyonce/Girls Aloud and the Killers
Food Mum's Sunday Roast - the Yorkshire Puddings are immense
Hobbies None really
Sports Person Chris Hoy - not only for what he has achieved but his work ethic and the way he conducts himself
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