Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has confirmed her retirement from competitive swimming.
The 23-year-old's future has been the subject of much debate since she claimed two bronze medals at the London Olympics last summer. At a press conference in London, the Mansfield-born swimmer confirmed she was bringing to an end a glittering career that has brought her Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles.
"I hate the word retire. I love swimming but as a competitive element and elite athlete I won't compete any more," she said. "I'll always be swimming even when I am 90 years old."
She added: "I certainly can't compete with that (younger swimmers).
"I can't do the same level of work, I need far more time for recovery.
"It's time. Beijing changed my entire life, everyone wanted to learn about me. It was the best moment of my entire career.
"I am so glad my world record still stands."
