Re-focused Adlington targets world gold in Rome

Posted: Friday 20th March 2009 | 18:45

AS the debate rages as to whether Rebecca Adlington has been dazzled by the headlights of showbusiness, one thing remains certain - her unwavering talent.

READY FOR ROME: Rebecca Adlington targets new world record in Rome

With no competitive racing behind her, the 20-year-old Nova Centurion sauntered her way to the fifth fastest ever 800m freestyle time last night.

And while some fear Adlington's head has been turned by the lucrative lure of fame and fortune, the most successful British swimmer for a century will have none of it.

"People do tend to have a false impression of what my life is like," she said. "They think I'm rolling around in money - which I'm not.

"It doesn't grow on trees and I think everyone appreciates that especially with the way the world is now.

"The same goes for my lifestyle. Around New Year everyone was asking me if I'd just got back in the pool when really I'd been back since September.

"People think I'm going out everyday doing something, but I only do one media morning a week and I'm in bed by nine o'clock.

"I don't know why people think I lead this life, but I don't. I'm not that person at all. I love to swim and I'm not very glamorous or showbiz.

"I'm looking forward to the World Championships in Rome now, but I do know I need to get myself a lot fitter - swimming is very much a sport where if you don't put in the work you get shown up.

"I think it's going to be a phenomenal summer of racing."

If Adlington is true to her word then the future is undoubtedly bright for British swimming and if she can return to peak condition, surely her 800m freestyle world record will go.

Under the tutelage of Bill Furniss at the Nottingham-based Nova Centurion swimming club, getting back to her physical best should be a formality.

"I love the shopping in Rome and I could shop there all day," she joked. "The ice cream is amazing as well, so that could be our big downfall.

"But in all seriousness I believe we will head to Rome full of confidence as a British team and deservedly so.

"It's definitely good that some of the other swimmers are getting a share of the limelight. We've got such a strong squad of men and women.

"David Davies has done brilliantly and really moved it on. Obviously Jo Jackson has been sensational and Ellen Gandy was amazing as well, I was on the side going crazy, it was unbelievable.

"It's such a positive thing that we've come back from the most successful Olympic Games this country has ever had and we've moved it on.

"I think it's really, really encouraging that the whole swimming team has been able to do that.

"Some other countries have been a little bit slow in picking up whereas we haven't, we've broken records and we've done best times here. It should set us up for a successful World Championships."

RICHARD ANDERSON in Sheffield