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.
