Adlington Reveals Coeliac Diagnosis, Advocates for Support

Olympic gold medallist and BBC Sports presenter Rebecca Adlington has revealed her diagnosis with coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects nutrient absorption due to gluten consumption. In a heartfelt video on Coeliac UK's Instagram, Adlington emphasized the importance of gluten-free prescriptions for managing the condition, highlighting that cuts to these prescriptions in some areas pose significant challenges. She urged followers to support a petition advocating for continued access to these prescriptions, which has already garnered over 22,000 signatures. Coeliac disease symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue, necessitating a lifelong gluten-free diet. The petition was delivered to 10 Downing Street, aiming to secure government support for maintaining prescription access. Adlington's openness about her health challenges has been met with widespread support and praise from the community.