LIVE: Mansfield swimmer Rebecca Adlington retires

REBECCA Adlington has brought the curtain down on her glittering career by announcing her retirement at a press conference in London.

The Mansfield ace, 23, won double Olympic gold in Beijing and two bronze medals at the London Games last summer, making her the greatest British swimmer of all time.

Adlington, also a world, Commonwealth and European champion, yesterday saw her long-time coach Bill Furniss become British Swimming's head coach as he looks to build success at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

"I hate the words retired but as a competitor elite athlete I won't be competing any more."

NHS VOUCHERS FOR WIGS ARE ACCEPTED AT BEAUTY SPOT COSMETICS

Beauty Spot Cosmetics Nottingham

View details

Print voucher

NHS VOUCHERS FOR WIGS ARE ACCEPTED AT BEAUTY SPOT COSMETICS

Terms: BRING YOUR VOUCHER IN STORE

Contact: 0115 8962300

Valid until: Saturday, December 07 2013

"It was a gradual decision. I wanted to leave on top.

"But I'll always swim I love it ill still be swimming when I'm 90.

"Now I have not got Bill Furniss I don't know what I'll do! But his new job with British swimming will be great," said, Rebecca Adlington.

The double gold medalist wants to focus her energies on teaching children to swim by embarking on charity work.

"I want to be involved with youngsters and having my own learn to swim programme.

"I want to get every child to be able to swim 25m - that would beat everything I have achieved.

"I would love to help the upcoming stars, we have that experience now to pass on after the home Olympics.

"I want to get every child to be able to swim 25m - that would beat everything I have achieved," she added.

Follow our blog live from the press conference here at 10am