Olympic hero Rebecca Adlington sets up petition after getting health diagnosis
Rebecca Adlington has bravely shared the news of a life-changing diagnosis in an emotional post on social media.
The BBC Sports presenter, who soared to fame as an Olympic swimmer, is now courageously battling coeliac disease—a debilitating autoimmune disorder that challenges her daily life.
The retired Olympic swimmer revealed her diagnosis and passionately urged people to sign a petition advocating for gluten-free prescriptions.
Adlington said: "Hello everyone. As someone newly diagnosed with coeliac disease, I have quickly learned how vital gluten-free prescriptions are for managing this condition.
"But in some areas, these prescriptions are being cut.
"Coeliac UK is handing a petition to Number 10 to ensure we're heard, so please sign and share the petition today."
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The video, posted by Coeliac UK, was captioned: "On Wednesday 19 March, we delivered the petition directly to 10 Downing Street, presenting our call for action to the UK Government."
They also added: "We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who signed the petition, helping us push this crucial cause forward, and to all those who supported our campaign, including the brilliant @beckadlington, for her incredible backing."
Reacting to the post, one person penned: "Yes @beckadlington, thanks for helping to raise awareness. Gluten-free food should be affordable and accessible to EVERYONE who needs it."
Another added: "So good to have someone famous helping to raise awareness. Well done, Becky."
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"Let's keep raising awareness x thank you, Rebecca," said a third.
According to the NHS, coeliac disease is a 'condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten'.
The health provider notes how this then 'damages your gut (small intestine) so your body cannot properly take in nutrients'.
They explain how this damages your gut (small intestine), preventing your body from properly absorbing nutrients.
Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, and the adverse reaction to gluten means those affected must avoid foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.
During her time on 'I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!' in 2013, Adlington's family discussed a medical issue that prevented her from participating in some Bushtucker Trials.
Her aunt, Sonia Adlington, shared that the family knew about her condition. Her uncle, Tony, confided to The Daily Mirror that they had been sworn to secrecy, emphasizing that Becky wanted the public to understand why she was exempted.
Her aunt further revealed that it wasn’t Becky’s choice; she genuinely wished to take part in the challenges.
It was later disclosed that Adlington struggled with anxiety, particularly related to confined spaces, which led to panic attacks.
She revealed this during her medical assessment before entering the jungle, clarifying that it was the doctors—not the contestants—who decided who was excused from trials.
Before her broadcasting career, Adlington was an unstoppable force in the swimming pool. At just 19, she burst onto the scene at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, triumphing with gold medals in both the 400m and 800m freestyle.
This milestone made her the first British woman to win Olympic swimming gold in 48 years and the first British swimmer to secure multiple golds at a single Games in a century.
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She solidified her legacy in British sporting history at the London 2012 Olympics, capturing bronze medals in both the 400m and 800m freestyle before deciding to retire at the young age of 23.
Her extraordinary achievements were honoured with the Sports Journalists Association's Sportswoman of the Year and the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2008, followed by an OBE in 2009 for her invaluable contributions to sport.