Gold medalist Rebecca Adlington poses during the medal ceremony for the 800m Freestyle Final during Day 8 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic.

placeholder image — Gold medalist Rebecca Adlington poses during the medal ceremony for the 800m Freestyle Final during Day 8 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic.

Take a look at these brilliant images from the Beijing 2008 Olympics when Rebecca Adlington put herself and Mansfield on the map

By Stephen Thirkill

Published 18th May 2021, 08:25 BST

Updated 18th May 2021, 09:34 BST

Rebecca Adlington put herself and her home town on the map after winning double gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

In the process our star broke the 19-year-old world record of Janet Evans in the 800-metre final and became Britain' s first Olympic swimming champion since 1988, and the first British swimmer to win two Olympic gold medals since 1908.

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Cassandra Patten congratulates Rebecca Adlington on her victory in the Women's 800m Freestyle Final. Photo: Jamie Squire

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Friend and family cheer on Rebecca Adlington in the Women's 800m Freestyle Final. Photo: Ezra Shaw

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Rebecca Adlington poses after her 800m final win. Photo: MARTIN BUREAU

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Rebecca Adlington celebrates winning the 400m Freestyle Final with third placed Joanne Jackson. Photo: Adam Pretty

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Take a look at these brilliant images from the Beijing 2008 Olympics when Rebecca Adlington put herself and Mansfield on the map

Rebecca Adlington put herself and her home town on the map after winning double gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

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