📰 Olympic legend Rebecca Adlington opens up about some big changes since the pandemic hit. Known for her splash as a swimming sensation, Rebecca admits her earnings have taken a dive due to COVID-19.
Even though she’s still enjoying holidays with her young family, the lockdown months saw a significant drop in her income. After hanging up her goggles in 2013, she took on new roles as a sports pundit, reality TV star, and co-founder of ‘Swim!’ with fellow Olympian Steve Parry, creating a national children’s swimming programme. 🏊♀️💧
Talking to The Times, Rebecca shared how her income streams have changed over the last six years. “They’ve decreased massively, though they’re more stable,” she said, highlighting her directorship in her swimming business. Speaking gigs, brand deals, and TV appearances contribute to her income, but they’re not what they used to be in the glory days of London 2012.
Despite these financial shifts, Rebecca lives in her “dream home”—a spacious five-bedroom haven in Cheshire. However, she jokes there’s no pool because her “bank account isn’t quite there yet.” Starting on the property ladder at 20 with a Nottingham new-build, she’s avoided the “money down the drain” trap of renting.
Rebecca doesn’t worry about making ends meet, thanks to her supportive parents and post-Beijing funding and sponsorships that transformed her life. Her highest paycheck came from ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’, pocketing £70,000. She laughs it off as she’s not a “camping girl,” but describes the experience as “amazing.”
As for splurges, Rebecca isn’t big on extravagance. Her biggest spend? Matching custom-made engagement and wedding rings, co-designed with her husband, totalling £6,000. Holidays are her biggest indulgence, while she saves instead of spending on flashy buys like cars.
Stay tuned for more fun updates from our favourite Olympian! 💍📰🚗