Rebecca Adlington has revealed that she felt the weight of expectation to win gold at London 2012.
Adlington had to settle for a bronze medal in the 800m freestyle after being blown away by American teenager Katie Ledecky.
Despite not matching her achievements in Beijing four years ago, Adlington said that performing in her situation was a unique experience.
She told BBC Sport: "I don't think the pressure held me back, it's just something I was so not used to. I was an unknown swimmer before Beijing and, for me, I never wanted the fame, that's not why I got involved in swimming.
"Most people retire after wining two golds so for me to have carried on swimming is completely different."
Adlington's double gold in 2008, added to two bronze medals at London 2012, makes her Great Britain's most successful female swimmer.
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
