REBECCA Adlington announced on social media on she had suffered a miscarriage on Friday.
The former Olympian wrote: “I don’t really have the words right now but unfortunately we went for our 20-week scan this week and they found no heartbeat
“I gave birth to our angel, Harper, on Friday at 7pm. We held her, and had time with her. We will forever love her and remember her always.
“I don’t have the strength or words right now and don’t feel ready to share this news. However, I can’t pretend to be ok or fake a smile.
“I can’t have people ask me how pregnancy is or when I am due as I still look pregnant. I don’t have the strength to tell this news individually.”
This is Adlington’s second known miscarriage, following a 12-week miscarriage last year.
Adlington has two children – daughter Summer from her previous marriage to former swimmer Harry Needs, and son Albie with her husband Andy Parsons.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Adlington won gold in the 800m and 400m freestyle, breaking the 800m Olympic record.
The Nottinghamshire born swimmer was Britain’s first Olympic gold medallist since 1988, and first to win two gold medals since 1908.
Adlington then went on to win bronze in the 800m and 400m freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics.
The freestyler announced her retirement in 2013 at the age of 23.
