Rebecca Adlington Opens Up About Loss of Baby Daughter: “We’ll Never Forget Her”
Olympic swimming star Rebecca Adlington has bravely shared how she and her family are coping after the loss of her baby daughter last October. The double Olympic gold medallist has been winning hearts again with her insightful commentary on the Paris Olympics for the BBC, alongside Clare Balding.
Rebecca Adlington, who won two gold medals at the 2008 Games in the 400m and 800m events, becoming the first British swimmer to win two Olympic golds since 1908, is now providing expert analysis on the swimming events at the Paris 2024 games. She also won bronze medals in the women’s 400m and 800m freestyle events at London 2012.
But it’s her courageous personal revelations that have endeared her even more to the public. The Olympic champion opened up about the painful experience of a miscarriage last year, shedding light on an often-hidden sorrow.
At 33, the Mansfield-born swimmer juggles life between being a mom to her two young kids, Summer, 7, and Albie, 2, and her current role providing commentary for the Olympic action. Despite the joy of motherhood and career success, Rebecca faced profound sadness when she lost her daughter, Harper, at 20 weeks pregnant last October.
Rebecca, who shares daughter Summer with ex-partner and former swimmer Harry Needs, and son Albie with her present spouse, Andy Parsons, spoke out about their loss with OK! Magazine. She said she is “doing OK,” but solemnly added, “We’ll never forget her.”
She continued: “After my miscarriage last October, physically and emotionally, the back end of last year was tough. We’ll never fully get over what happened, but Harper will always be part of our family.” Even Rebecca’s two-year-old, Albie, tells people, “My sisters are Harper and Summer.”
“Her ashes are now in the house, we talk about her. She’ll always be a part of our lives. I think you learn to find a way forward – to even talk about her, without bursting into tears.”
Rebecca first revealed the sad news last October on Instagram. She wrote, “I don’t really have the words right now but unfortunately we went for our 20-week scan this week and they found no heartbeat. I gave birth to our angel, Harper, on Friday at 7pm. We held her, and had time with her. We will forever love her and remember her always.”
“I don’t have the strength or words right now and don’t feel ready to share this news. However, I can’t pretend to be ok or fake a smile. I can’t have people ask me how pregnancy is or when I am due as I still look pregnant. I don’t have the strength to tell this news individually.”
To her husband, Andy, she said: “Your selfless support, love and help is truly amazing. I couldn’t have survived without you. We are so truly heartbroken. Our beautiful girl. Rest in peace.”
A year earlier, Rebecca tragically miscarried at 12 weeks, leading to an emergency operation and a life-threatening battle with sepsis. Despite these hardships, Rebecca’s resilience and openness about her experiences continue to inspire many.