REBECCA Adlington is enjoying much-earned downtime – and her coach doesn't expect her to make a decision on her future until after Christmas.
Long-time mentor Bill Furniss was with the Mansfield star as she added two bronze medals at the London Olympics to the two golds she won in Beijing in 2008, in the 400m and 800m freestyle.
And the queen of British swimming, who is also the reigning Commonwealth champion over the same distances and a world and European champion, has taken a few months off.
The 23-year-old completed a charity bike ride in Zambia last month and has made a number of TV appearances.
Head coach Furniss said his charge had been putting in a few pool sessions to keep up her fitness levels.
But added: "She is having a good break and will make her mind up whether she is going to carry on and go for the Commonwealths after Christmas.
"I have not discussed it with her and she has intimated in the media she will not be doing another Olympics.
"The Commonwealths are next. She is an ambassador for those and I'm sure she would like to do it, but she is not going to rush into anything.
"If she chooses to, she knows she has to dedicate herself fully towards it. She knows you can't just half do it – you are going there to try and win them.
"I want her to have a break so I certainly won't be talking to her about it until after Christmas."
