Speaker Showcase: Rebecca Adlington

Rebecca Adlington OBE is best known for her exceptional triumphs at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she claimed two gold medals and shattered the long-standing 800m world record. Since retiring from competitive swimming in 2013, Rebecca has seamlessly transitioned into a successful television personality and a respected swimming pundit.

Her passion for swimming ignited at an early age when she joined a local swimming club in her hometown of Mansfield. Her competitive breakthrough came in 2008 at the World Championships in Manchester, where she won a gold medal in the 800m and a silver in the 4x200m freestyle relay. This early success set the stage for her legendary performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

At Beijing, Adlington’s star truly shone. Competing in the 400m and 800m freestyle events, she emerged victorious in both, making history by becoming the first British swimmer since 1908 to win two Olympic gold medals. Her accomplishments went beyond gold – she also set the world record in the 800m and held British, European, Commonwealth, and Olympic records, marking a pinnacle in her career. The realisation of her lifelong dream was an unforgettable moment, and as an Olympic speaker, she inspires audiences by sharing the remarkable journey behind that achievement.

Adlington’s career continued to flourish with additional success, including two golds and two bronzes at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. While she couldn't defend her Olympic titles at the 2012 London Olympics, she still added two bronze medals to her illustrious collection. Representing Great Britain on home soil during those Games was an experience she holds dear, and in her speaking engagements, she often reflects on the emotional significance of competing in front of a home crowd.

Since retiring, Rebecca has become a familiar face on popular television shows such as “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” and “The Jump”. She also provided expert commentary for the BBC’s Olympic coverage, sharing her in-depth knowledge of the sport – a role she continues to embrace during her speaking events, offering insights into the evolution of competitive swimming and the mindset of an elite athlete.

Rebecca Adlington's story is one of relentless dedication, historic triumph, and inspiring resilience, making her a role model both in and out of the pool.

Hire Rebecca Adlington!

If you would like to book Rebecca Adlington for your next event, or any of our other Olympic Stars, then get in touch with Champions Olympic Speakers. Simply call us on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online form for more information.