There's no question that Rebecca Adlington is one tough cookie, whether she was in the pool winning gold at the Olympics or bravely opening up about her heartbreaking miscarriages. And, as we sit down for a chat with the former competitive swimmer, she greets us with a bubbly warmth while chatting about family life.
Clearly a doting mum, Rebecca shares daughter Summer with her ex-husband Harry Needs and son Albie with her husband Andy Parsons.
"The kids are super cute, they're at great ages. Albie is three and Summer's nine, so they're just so amazing. We've just had Christmas and all that which they loved, so it's been a really magical time for them," says Rebecca.
Meeting via a dating app back in 2018, Rebecca, 35, admits she and Andy haven't had the most conventional route to love, but she wouldn't change a thing.
"Andy met me when I already had Summer, so we've never really had that kid-free time together that other couples have. Our relationship never had the stage where you meet and then have kids, so it's different," says Rebecca, who retired from swimming in 2013 after winning double gold at the Beijing Olympics five years earlier. "But I wouldn't change it for the world. I knew straight away what a fantastic daddy he would be because he's an incredible stepdad. We love family life."
Things haven't been smooth sailing for the family over the past few years, with Rebecca suffering two miscarriages. She lost a child at 12 weeks, in August 2022. Just a year later, Rebecca miscarried her daughter, Harper, at 20 weeks, and had to undergo an induced labour and stillbirth.
Rebecca has since spoken openly about it and the impact it had on her family, admitting it was a “dark” time for her and Andy. However, she tells us they have now arrived at a place of acceptance, and she's keen to help others do the same.
This story is from the February 03, 2025 edition of OK! UK.
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This story is from the February 03, 2025 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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