RETIREMENT OF REBECCA ADLINGTON OBE

That this House salutes the outstanding athletic career of Olympian swimmer Rebecca Adlington OBE whose success and selfless character led her most admirably to be described then and since as the golden girl of British swimming following her stunning double gold medal victories in the 400 metres and 800 metres events at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in which she smashed previous records, including one by more than two seconds which had stood since the year of her birth, victories which also recorded her as the first British woman to win Olympic gold since Anita Lonsbrough some 48 years earlier in 1960; notes hermany other sporting successes including her holding a variety of world, international and national titles and records, her coming third at the age of only 20 years in the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year competition and more recently her magnificent bronze medals gained for the nation at the London 2012 Olympic Games; reminds all that unlike many who taste the sweetness of success this fine young lady has always remained calm, collected and true to her roots in her native Mansfield and Nottinghamshire, in particularamongst local swimming clubs and leagues, giving much of her other spare time to helpingthose much lessfortunate than herself by various means; believes that British swimming as an organised activity involved in publicgood and endeavour cannot afford to lose such strengths of character and determination as it strives to build its sport for future challenges; andcalls on its leadership to find ways of harnessing such talent, humility and dedication to aid its quest.