DOUBLE Olympic champion Becky Adlington is celebrating again – but this time her happy tweeting is about a ring, not a medal.
Twenty-four-year-old Becky told her 323,000 Twitter followers yesterday afternoon that her long-term boyfriend Harry Needs had proposed.
She told the Post that the proposal was out of the blue.
She said: "I'm very, very excited. It was a complete surprise, I thought he was at training then he surprised me. No dates or anything yet. We want to enjoy being engaged and the planning process together."
And speaking from the family home in Mansfield, Becky's mum Kay said she was extremely happy for her daughter and Harry.
She said: "We are over the moon for the pair of them and this is a very happy day.
"It has come as quite a big surprise to all of us. The proposal was down to Becky's boyfriend and we didn't know he was going to do it until after he did, which is as it should be.
"They've been together for a couple of years now. Harry is someone we all really like and he has become part of the family."
She added that they made a great couple.
"Harry has fitted in really well with the family right from day one. They get on really well and communicate and are just happy with each other.
"It is lovely for us as parents, whether it is a son or a daughter it is just wonderful to see your child happy like this. We love Harry to pieces and he's part of the family."
The pair started dating two years ago and Harry joined Becky's swimming club Nova Centurion.
Speaking to the Post on a previous occasion, Becky said: "He appreciates the focus I need and the sacrifices I have to make. Harry is just like me, really driven. We got to bed pretty early and rest at the weekends."
When asked how Harry proposed, Kay said that was something for Becky to reveal.
She added: "They've not decided any dates for the wedding yet or anything, they're just going to enjoy being engaged for now."
Harry announced the engagement on Twitter yesterday, saying: "Popped the big question to the wifey @BeckAdlington & were now #engaged #shesaidyes happiest man on earth".
Becky responded by Tweeting: "Had the best weekend ever!!! Thank you @Harryneeds for making me the happiest person ever right now #engaged #isaidyes".
Becky retired from swimming in February and has since decided to focus on her campaigning work.
She won two gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in the 400m and 800m, breaking the 19 year-old world record of Janet Evans in the 800m final.
She also won bronze in the women's 400m and 800m freestyle at London 2012.
