Great Britain’s most successful ever swimmer, Becky Adlington, announced her retirement from international competition in February 2013, and immediately set out her vision for her legacy, which she sees as her greatest challenge in swimming.
During a stellar career, Adlington won multiple Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth Games gold medals. She competed in four Olympic finals, winning two Gold and two Bronze medals in Beijing and London respectively.
She remains the current world record holder in the 800m Freestyle, and undoubtedly the greatest swimmer that Great Britain has ever produced, not to mention one of the most successful female athletes in British Olympic history.
Please describe your experience at the Women of the Year Lunch in October 2012
It was really good, I liked the fact that it was at lunchtime so more relaxed, just like going out for lunch with the girls, and as it was all women was a very chatty occasion. I had a really nice table full of interesting ladies.
What did winning the award with your fellow Olympic and Paralympic medal winners mean to you?
It was amazing as being a female role model was a big thing at the 2012 Olympics much more than other Olympics, also that sport was so highly recognised at this event was great to see.
Why are award ceremonies like the Women of the Year Lunch important?
They are so important as they award people from all walks of life and give them the recognition they deserve. The diversity of the people I met was incredible and everyone was there for a different reason and had overcome or achieved a lot in their life to be there. Also the fact that people who are behind the scenes, so to speak, get recognised too, is amazing.
Which women have been inspirations in your life and why?
My mum, she took me everywhere for training, competitions and my two older sisters, I have learnt everything from them.
What has been your biggest achievement to date and what goals do you have for the future?
Qualifying for and winning at the Olympics has been my greatest achievement to date and now I am launching my Becky Adlington Swim Stars, where my aim is to make sure that every child leaves school able to swim 25m.
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