Rebecca Adlington's future

Mansfield's Executive Mayor, Tony Egginton, has told ITV News Central that Rebecca Adlington will become an inspirational business women from Nottinghamshire.

"We've all shed tears at some point," he said. "Rebecca has been tremendous for Mansfield, and she's put us on the map."

Speaking to ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott, Rebecca Adlington has said she will stay involved with swimming as she retires from competition.

She said; "swimming is my passion, it's been that since I was young. Since i was four years old, getting in the pool I just absolutely loved it. I want to stay involved with that in all levels."

The double Olympic champion also explained why she is retiring at just 23-years-old saying, "women tend to be four years younger then men [on the team] and especially for my event, for distance swimming you are a lot younger."

Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has thanked all those who have supported her throughout her career.

In a series of tweets and in a longer article on her website Rebecca thanked, "all my swimming teaches/coaches when I was young. You made it so much fun!"

In a statement connected to her retirement she also said, "To everyone in Mansfield who has believed in me from day one. It will always be my home. I'm a proud Mansfield girl!!"

There has been much speculation over the 23-year-old Olympic swimmer's future since she won two bronze medals at the London 2012 Games.

At a news conference today the Mansfield-born swimmer confirmed she would be retiring from her competitive 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.

I'll always be swimming even when I am 90 years old." – REBECCA ADLINGTON

• August 2008 - Won double Olympic gold in Beijing with victory in the 800m and 400m freestyle.
• December 2008 - Came 3rd in the Sports Personality of the Year 2008.
• January 2009 - Awarded an OBE by the Queen in the New Years Honours of 2009

• October 2010 - Adlington claims Commonwealth gold in both the 800m and 400m freestyle in Delhi.
• August 2012 – Had to settle for Olympic Bronze in the 800m and 400m freestyle in London.

• In total Adlington won seven gold medals, three silver medals and seven bronze medals in international competition.

Michael Phelps, the 18-times Olympic gold medal winner, has paid his tribute to Rebecca Adlington's "fantastic career."

Rebecca Adlington's long term coach Bill Furniss has paid tribute to the swimmer as she announces her retirement: