Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has confirmed her retirement from competitive swimming.

The 23-year-old's future has been the subject of much debate since she claimed two bronze medals at the London Olympics last summer.

At a press conference in London, the Mansfield-born swimmer confirmed she was bringing to an end a glittering

career that has brought her Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles.

"I hate the word retire. I love swimming but as a competitive element and elite athlete I won't compete any more.

"I'll always be swimming even when I am 90 years old."