Olympic Star Honours Swimming Teacher At Lutterworth Sports Centre

Double Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington has made a surprise visit to Lutterworth Sports Centre to presenta special award to a swimming teacher.

Rachael Rathbone was crowned ‘Swim Teacher of the Year’, in recognition of her passion for teaching children and teamwork, after being selected by operator Everyone Active.

Rachael (left) & Rebecca

The award can be won by a swim teacher at any of Everyone Active’s 200+ sites across the country and after presenting the trophy, retired Team GB hero Rebecca, who twice struck gold at Beijing 2008, signed autographs and posed for selfies before assisting with a swimming lesson.

She said: “I’d like to congratulate Rachael on her award and all the hard work that she and all the swim teachers at Lutterworth Sports Centre put in every week.

“It’s great to see children enjoying swimming in a safe environment and it’s lovely to know they are receiving the best possible guidance.”

Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We’d like to thank Rebecca for coming down to Lutterworth Sports Centre and making it a very special afternoon.

“I’m sure it will prove really memorable for Rachael, who fully deserved her award, and the customers.

“Hopefully, the presence of an Olympic gold medallist will inspire all the youngsters on our swim scheme to continue learning and enjoying this vital life skill.”

Rachael & Rebecca with youngsters who attend swimming lessons