Becky Adlington is one of Britain’s most successful Olympic swimmers — but this conversation is about the moments away from the podium that shaped her most.
In this deeply honest episode of More Than A Name, Rebecca opens up about the sacrifices required to chase elite sport from a young age (04:30), her love for swimming as a teenager (9:18), and the family trauma that followed her sister’s life-changing battle with encephalitis (14:50).
She reflects on arriving at the Beijing 2008 Olympics with little external expectation (22:20), before becoming a double Olympic champion and breaking a 19-year-old world record (28:00). Rebecca also discusses the pressure of building toward London 2012 and the transition away from competitive swimming (34:10).
Most powerfully, Becky shares her fertility journey in raw and emotional detail (44:40) — including the trauma of multiple miscarriages and the heartbreak of a stillbirth. She speaks about spending precious time with her baby, Harper, after losing her, and how that experience changed her forever. At the time of recording, Becky is eight months pregnant, and she reflects on the fear, hope, and resilience that comes with pregnancy after loss.
This is a moving conversation about grief, strength, motherhood, and identity — and what it truly means to be more than a name.
This episode contains discussion around baby loss, stillbirth, miscarriage, fertility struggles, and grief. These topics may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening and feel free to pause or step away if needed. Support is available, and you are not alone.
If you are affected by any of the issues discussed and are based in the UK, support is available through:
• SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) – offers support for anyone affected by the death of a baby
• Tommy’s – provides information and support for pregnancy loss and fertility challenges
• The Miscarriage Association – offers support and resources for those affected by miscarriage
You can also contact Petals Charity, who provide free, specialist counselling for all types of loss. You can find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/petalscharity
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• Growing up a Liverpool fan and living the dream by playing for the club.
• Breaking his leg three times before 20 and being told he’d never play again.
• How he rebuilt himself physically and mentally to reach the Premier League.
• Why his time under Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa shattered his confidence.
• The emotional highs and lows he hid throughout his playing career.
• The overwhelming depression he faced after retiring.
• The moment he planned to take his own life — and the friend and psychologist who saved him.
• The heartbreaking conversation he had with his children during his darkest period.
• How he began to recover, rebuild, and feel like himself again.
• Practical advice for anyone struggling with their mental health.
• His passion for his new chapter as a pundit and commentator.