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Mumsnet webchats

Webchat with Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington and her mum Kay (plus a chance to win a pool party for your child!), TODAY, Thursday 15 November, 12.30-1.30pm

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RachelMumsnet · 13/11/2012 17:41

Olympic medallist Rebecca Adlington and her mum, Kay, are joining us on Thursday 15 November at 12.30pm for a live webchat. As well as talking about her own experiences as an Olympic swimmer, Kay will be sharing what it was like getting up every morning to take her daughter swimming for all those many years!

Rebecca will also be offering advice on how to get your children and you to enjoy swimming. Rebecca is currently working with Speedo on their Learn To Swim campaign, which was launched in response to research findings that an astonishing 40% of children can't swim. Join Rebecca at 12.30pm on Thurs or send a question in advance to this thread.

Rebecca and Kay have also just launched 'The S Factor' competition inviting kids under ten to draw a new sea character to join the Speedo Sea Squad. Anyone can enter at www.mumsnet.com/microsites/speedo until 29 November. The winner will be chosen by Rebecca and Kay and will win a free pool party hosted by Rebecca herself and the Speedo Sea Squad. The winning design will join the Sea Squad as an honorary member to front the campaign encouraging kids to take the plunge.

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KayAdlington · 15/11/2012 13:24

@RebeccaAdlington

[quote noidles]
Hi Rebecca - I think you're fab. I'm not particularly sporty myself, but got TOTALLY swept up in the spirit of the Olympics and loved it. You really did us proud!

Anyway, I'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but you obviously had to deal with a lot of sh*t from a bully comedian (who shall not be named!). I thought it was brilliant that you didn't take it lying down and fought back. I think it sets a great example to young people especially, that they can speak up when someone who is bigger and louder and saying not very nice things!

So my question is this, do you find it a bit weird and surreal that you get judged on how you look, when your career has nothing to do with your looks? You presumably didn't want to be a 'celebrity' and haven't courted publicity, and haven't invited criticism.

Kay - how did you deal with this? It must have been really upsetting.

Hope that wasn't too morbid a question.

hello

Thank you for saying that, very kind.

I think its all part of being in the public eye and being a female. unfortunately women get criticised for the way they look. I know it has nothing to do with my swimming ability which is good and i have to remember that!

It makes more what my family and friends think of me :-)

Thank you

Becky[/quote]

Hi great to hear from you and thanks for question.
My view is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but at the end of the day it comes down to knowing the your family love you and if someone has an opinion that they feel they have to 'get out there for no apparent reason' well thats up to them. I don't let it upset me, because its not worth it.
Best wishes
Kay