Rebecca Adlington: 'Giving birth was the most painful thing I've ever done'

Retired Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has admitted that giving birth to her daughter Summer was the most "painful" thing that she has ever done.

The 26-year-old and husband Harry Needs became first-time parents when their baby was born earlier this month.

In an interview with Hello! magazine, Adlington said: "It was the most painful thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding.

"Winning medals doesn't really make a difference to real life but bringing a new child into the world is without a doubt our greatest achievement."

Adlington, who won two Olympic golds and two bronze medals in her career, married her partner in August last year.