Legendary British Olympian Rebecca Adlington has shared that her earnings have decreased during the pandemic while discussing her life post-Olympics. Following her retirement in 2013, Adlington ventured into sports commentary, reality TV appearances, and co-founded ‘Swim!’ with fellow Olympian Steve Parry, a children’s swimming program with 12 locations.
Although her various endeavors previously brought in significant income, Adlington revealed to The Times that her financial situation has changed. She mentioned that her income has declined over the past few years but has stabilized somewhat due to her role as a director in the swimming business she co-owns. She also mentioned additional part-time revenue sources like speaking engagements, brand collaborations, campaigns, and television projects.
Adlington acknowledged that her income from these sources has notably decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels, attributing it to the increased number of Olympians in the post-London 2012 era, which has impacted demand for her services. She credited the inspiration from the London Olympics for starting the swimming business with Parry, emphasizing their focus on grassroots initiatives.
Despite the financial changes, Adlington and her family live in a five-bedroom home in Cheshire, which she describes as her “dream home.” However, she humorously noted that a swimming pool is currently out of reach financially. She bought her first property in Nottingham at the age of 20 for £150,000, opting for homeownership after spending money on rent.
When asked about financial concerns, Adlington mentioned her fortunate position with support from her parents and sponsorships following her success at the Beijing Olympics when she was 19. Her most lucrative venture was her participation in ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ where she earned around £70,000, a significant sum she had never experienced before.
Regarding expenses, Adlington highlighted her preference for saving over extravagant spending, with her priciest purchases being getaways. She mentioned leasing her car and shared that her most lavish buys were her custom-made engagement and wedding rings, costing £6,000, which she split with her husband. The rings were designed by Anuka to match in style, representing her most significant expense.
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