Rebecca Adlington

Rebecca was a very welcome guest to our Annual General Meeting and spent time meeting our staff and service users before giving an interesting, inspirational and thought-provoking keynote speech. She is a lovely, down-to-earth person who really connected with people and we were delighted that she was part of our AGM celebrations

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Rebecca Adlington – Sports Journalists’ Association Sportswoman of the Year

Rebecca Adlington is one of Britain’s greatest ever swimmers and an inspirational sporting icon. She shot to international fame at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she won two gold medals in the 400m and 800m freestyle, breaking the world record in the latter. At London 2012, she added two bronze medals, making her the joint-most decorated female Olympian in British history alongside Katherine Grainger. Adlington also dominated at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, securing two golds and two bronzes. Since retiring in 2013, she has remained a prominent media figure, role model, and influential ambassador for British sport.

Credentials and Impact

Following her retirement, she dedicated her energy to promoting sport and supporting the next generation of athletes. She became actively involved in initiatives to encourage children and young people to take up swimming, recognising the vital role grassroots programmes play in fostering health, confidence, and ambition.

Rebecca’s influence extends into leadership and advocacy within sport. She is the first female Patron of Women in Sport, a role through which she champions gender equality, increased participation, and better support structures for female athletes. She has also lent her voice to national campaigns addressing the protection of grassroots facilities and access to swimming, highlighting the importance of ensuring opportunities for all. In 2024, she was appointed as a judge for The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards, where she helped to celebrate the achievements of outstanding female athletes across the country.

Her outstanding contributions have been honoured with an OBE for services to swimming, reflecting her continuing importance as a figurehead for British sport. From supporting youth participation to shaping the conversation on inclusion and welfare, Rebecca has ensured her impact reaches far beyond the pool. Today, she stands as a role model whose influence combines athletic credibility with lasting social contribution.

Publications and Media

Rebecca has shared her journey across various major news outlets, such as Sky News and The Times, diving into her experience of being an Olympian, living with Coeliac disease and opening up about losing her daughter. She has appeared on popular television shows, including I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, The Jump and ITV’s Loose Women. In broadcasting, she is best known as a BBC swimming commentator, covering major events such as Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024.

Why Book Rebecca?

Booking Rebecca Adlington brings an authentic voice of excellence, resilience, and inspiration to any event. As a double Olympic gold medallist, world record holder, and Britain’s most decorated female swimmer, she speaks with authority on achieving peak performance, thriving under pressure, and setting ambitious goals. Her story also highlights how to overcome challenges, including dealing with setbacks and adapting to change, making her message both motivational and relatable.

Her versatility as a speaker allows her to connect with a wide range of audiences, from corporate leaders to students, offering powerful lessons on teamwork, motivation, and perseverance. Drawing on her experience as a BBC broadcaster and award judge, Rebecca delivers engaging, polished presentations that leave a lasting impression. With her unique combination of credibility, warmth, and insight, she inspires audiences to think bigger, push boundaries, and achieve their potential.

To book Rebecca to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry