Rebecca Adlington recovering from sepsis a year after agonising miscarriage

15 August 2023 , 11:08

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Rebecca Adlington recovering from sepsis a year after agonising miscarriage

Rebecca Adlington is recovering from sepsis a year of suffering an agonising miscarriage.

The Olympic swimmer, 34, lost what would have been her third child in August last year when she was 12 weeks pregnant. Explaining the toll the tragedy had taken on her body, Rebecca said she was rushed into hospital where she was told she had contracted sepsis - a life-threatening reaction to an infection that happens when the immune system starts to damage the body's own tissues and organs.

Opening up about the ordeal, the star said: "It was really scary because I felt so ill." Explaining her husband Andy was an "angel", the Olympian said her parents looked after the couple's two-year-old son, Albie, and Summer, eight, who Rebecca shares with ex-husband, Harry Needs.

Rebecca Adlington with her son, Albie, two

Despite making a recovery from sepsis and feeling 'healthier every day', the swimmer admitted she can't help but blame herself for her miscarriage. Saying she felt "really responsible" even though it "wasn't my fault", Rebecca said: "You've got all this pressure to protect this incredible baby for nine months and it seemed crazy because I'd done it before and I was absolutely fine," reports New magazine.

The painful aftermath of the miscarriage is something Rebecca says her husband Andy still 'battles daily'. Revealing he said to her: "We would be having a baby right now" back in March, the mum-of-two said it's important she supports her partner's way of dealing with grief, explaining "he was emotionally devastated by it too". Reflecting on their relationship now, Rebecca said the tragedy has 'brought them closer' as the couple focus on their health and well-being.

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Rebecca became a household name when she competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, bagging herself two Olympic golds in the process. She broke the 19-year-old world record of Janet Evans in the 800-metre final, becoming Britain's first Olympic swimming champion since 1988, and the first British swimmer to win two Olympic gold medals since 1908.

However, she's now hoping to swap the pool for the dance floor, telling the Mirror it's her dream to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. "I'm still waiting for the day that I can please do Strictly Come Dancing, even though I can't dance," she said. The Mansfield-born sports star added: "They've had quite a lot of swimmers on in the past, Mark Foster, then Adam Peaty, Ellie Simmonds – those guys were great, I loved watching them. I thought Ellie did such a fab job, I loved watching her – I love watching Strictly, just for the outfits, the costumes and everything."

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at the Miscarriage Association. You can call them on 01924 200799 or email

Victoria Johns