Rebecca Adlington On Her Baby’s Birth: “It Was The Most Painful Thing I Have Ever Done”

Rebecca Adlington may’ve won two gold medals at the 2008 Olympics but her greatest achievement is becoming a mum, she says.

The 26-year-old athlete, who gave birth to her daughter on June 8, calls childbirth the “most rewarding” thing she’s ever done – but also the most painful.

"Winning medals doesn’t really make a difference to real life but bringing a new child into the world is without a doubt our greatest achievement,” she told Hello! magazine.

Rebecca and her husband Harry Needs, a fellow swimmer who she tied the knot with last August, decided to name their daughter Summer – a tribute to the time of the year when Rebecca won her Olympic gold medals.

“When we realised Becky had won her medals in summer, that we got married in summer, and that our baby was born in summer, it made perfect sense to name her after our favourite time of year,” says Harry.

Although the couple have kept relatively quiet since the arrival of their daughter two weeks ago, Harry tweeted his joy at becoming a parent on the day Summer was born.

“Can’t believe I fell in love all over again today. Thank you @BeckAdlington for making me the happiest man on this earth #daddysgirl”

Considering Summer has two athletic parents, it’s not surprising that they would like her to be something of a sports star herself. But it doesn’t have to be swimming that she’s into, says Rebecca.

“I really would love her to get into the world of sport, but I’m not bothered if it’s not swimming,” she says.

“I just feel sport gives you so much more in life. My sport taught me everything that I am today, be dedicated and driven, committed, and you get to travel the world and meet amazing people.”

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