Two-time Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington has announced the birth of her baby girl, Thea Joy Parsons, describing her family as 'complete'. The retired swimmer shared the news on Instagram with a rainbow emoji, symbolising a baby born after previous loss.
Adlington experienced two miscarriages: one in August 2022 requiring emergency surgery, and another in October 2023 when a 20-week scan revealed 'no heartbeat'. She announced her pregnancy in September, describing herself and husband Andy Parsons as 'cautiously overjoyed'.
The couple, who married in 2021, already have a son, Albie. Adlington also has a daughter, Summer, from her previous marriage to Harry Needs. In a December post, she admitted to feeling 'fearful' during the pregnancy, explaining that she took few photos and had no gender reveal or baby shower.
'Anyone who’s had a rainbow pregnancy will likely understand,' she wrote. 'It took me a long time to admit I’m struggling but learnt it’s ok to admit it’s hard. Being anxious and struggling doesn’t take away from how grateful I am to be pregnant, it just means I’m human.'
