When you read the hurtful comments made about Rebecca Adlington by the likes of Frankie Boyle, you wonder how she manages to put on her swimsuit and represent her country in the way she does. But speaking to her, you soon realise she is a woman wise beyond her tender 23 years.

“It’s just one of those things of being a woman,” she told Huffpost Lifestyle.

“Regardless of being in sport, women are criticised in a very different way to men.

"By what they dress like, their hair, their makeup, their everything. It kind of comes with the territory really.”

Like many of us, Rebecca hopes the London 2012 Olympic Games has had a positive impact for women.

She’s proud that female athletes have firmly established themselves alongside men in sport - with Team GB’s women racking up 10 gold medals in total - but is conscious of the added pressure on sports women around their appearance.

Still, ever positive, Rebecca hopes that the female athletes have provided a healthy body image for women and girls to aspire to, by being “slim but in the right way”.

She looks to Team GB teammates Jessica Ennis and Victoria Pendleton, who she describes as "absolutely stunning" to prove to women and girls that "you can work hard but still be girly".

“For me my way of being girly is by painting my nails, because I can’t obviously wear that much makeup or do my hair - it just gets wet,” she jokes, although patriotic nail art became something of a trend during the Games.

rebecca adlington

Rebecca's brightly coloured nails during a 400m freestyle heat at London 2012

Rebecca doesn’t appear to consider herself in the same 'attractiveness' category as Jessica and Victoria, and, despite being as successful an athlete with two Olympic golds, two bronze medals and a World Record under her swimming hat, seems somewhat reluctant to call herself a role model.

This is probably due to the fact that she is extremely humble: instantly warm and friendly she introduces herself as Beck, dismisses any rumours of a big welcome home party for her when she returns home to Nottingham and says she's happy to train in her local 25-metre pool because "water's water at the end of the day".

Her down-to-earth demeanour has allowed her to shrug off criticism by internet trolls over her performance in London 2012 - taking bronze medals in 400m and 800m freestyle events, after she won golds in the same events in Beijing 2008.

rebecca adlington

Water's just water for humble Rebecca

“I just block those people,” she says frankly. “I just can’t understand why someone would take the time to write a nasty message. It baffled me. I’d never do it to someone else, I wouldn’t even do it to my worst enemy.”

It’s difficult for people to pass judgement on something they have never tried themselves, she adds.

“I mean if Michael Phelps came up to me and said ‘you should be a bit let down by that’ I’d be like yeah. But he never would,” she jokes, putting yet another positive spin on something she could easily let get her down.

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  • A general view of the Olympic Stadium at the Olympic Park on July 24, 2012 in London, England. The opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games will take place on July 27. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

  • A general view of the Orbit next to the Olympic Stadium during previews ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 26, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

  • The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force aerobatic team fly over the olympic park during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)

  • The Red Arrows fly over the Olympic Stadium ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

  • A large Voldemort from the Harry Potter book series looms over performers during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

  • Performers dance in a scene depicting the struggle between life and death during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

  • Rings representing both the Olympics and the Industrial Revolution are lit and lifted during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Morry Gash - IOPP Pool /Getty Images)

  • A flock of Mary Poppins descend to the stage during the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in London, England, Friday, July 27, 2012. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images)

  • Fireworks go off over the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

  • Fireworks go off over the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

  • The Olympic flame burns in the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

  • General view as fireworks illuminate the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pool/Getty Images)

  • General view as fireworks illuminate the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

  • Searchlights over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games on July 27, 2012 in London, England. Athletes, heads of state and dignitaries from around the world have gathered in the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony of the 30th Olympiad. London plays host to the 2012 Olympic Games which will see 26 sports contested by 10,500 athletes over 17 days of competition. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)

  • Performers represent victims of the July 7 bombings during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

  • Janne Friederike Meyer of Germany riding Lambrasco competes in the 3rd Qualifier of Individual Jumping on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

  • Henrik Von Eckermann of Sweden riding Allerdings competes in the 3rd Qualifier of Individual Jumping on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

  • Kai Qin of China competes in the Men's 3m Springboard Diving Preliminary on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

  • Han Soonchul of Korea (L) celebrates his victory over Fazliddin Gaibnazarov of Uzbekistan during the Men's Light (60kg) Boxing on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

  • Mary Killman and Mariya Koroleva of the United States compete in the Women's Duets Synchronised Swimming Free Routine Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

  • Daria Iushko and Kseniya Sydorenko of the Ukraine compete in the Women's Duets Synchronised Swimming Free Routine Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

  • Silver medallist Nick Dempsey of Great Britain celebrates his children Thomas-Flynn (L) and Oscar (R) following the Men's RS:X Sailing on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Weymouth & Portland Venue at Weymouth Harbour on August 7, 2012 in Weymouth, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

  • Sally Pearson of Australia crosses the line to win gold in the Women's 100m Hurdles Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

  • Robert Harting of Germany celebrates winning gold in the Men's Discus Throw Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

  • Michael Conlan of Ireland (L) celebrates his victory over Nordine Oubaali of France during the Men's Fly (52kg) Boxing on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

  • April Ross of the United States and Jennifer Kessy of the United States celebrate after winning match point during the Women's Beach Volleyball Semi Final match between United States and Brazil on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Horse Guards Parade August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

  • Ashton Eaton of the United States competes in the Men's Decathlon Shot Put on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

  • Bertrand Gille (center) #6 of France is defended by Raul Entrerrios Rodriguez (L) #9 and Joan Canellas Reixach (R) #21 of Spain during the Men's Quarterfinal match between Spain and France on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at The Basketball Arena on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

  • Maroi Mezien of Tunisia competes against Isabelle Sambou of Senegal during their Women's Freestyle 48 kg Wrestling match on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

  • Scott Brash of Great Britain riding Hello Sanctos in the Individual Jumping on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

  • Yulia Koltunova of Russia competes in the Women's 10m Platform Diving Preliminary on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

  • Eloyse Lesueur of France competes in the Women's Long Jump Final on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

  • Jason Richardson of the United States hugs Carmelita Jeter of the United States after the Men's 110m Hurdles Final on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

  • Robin Cheong of New Zealand walks out to compete against Hedaya Wahba of Egypt during the Preliminary Round Women's -57kg Taekwondo match on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)

  • Darius Draudvila of Lithuania competes during the Men's Decathlon Discus Throw on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pawel Kopczynski - IOPP Pool /Getty Images)

  • Action as the field make their way across a jump in the Men's BMX Cycling Quarter Finals on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at BMX Track on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

  • Kurt Kuschela and Peter Kretschmer of Germany celebrate winning the Gold medal in the Men's Kayak Double (K2) 1000m Canoe Sprint Final A on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney at Eton Dorney on August 9, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Armando Franca - IOPP Pool /Getty Images)

  • Ophelie Aspord of France leaves the water after the Women's Marathon 10km Swimming at Hyde Park on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

  • Usain Bolt of Jamaica leads Yohan Blake of Jamaica on his way to winning gold in the Men's 200m Final on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

  • Mathew Belcher (R) and Malcolm Page (L) of Australia celebrate in the Olympic rings after winning gold in the Men's 470 Sailing on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Weymouth & Portland Venue at Weymouth Harbour on August 10, 2012 in Weymouth, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

  • Ashraf Aliyev of Azerbaijan (R) competes with Sohsuke Takatani of Japan during their Men's Freestyle 74 kg Wrestling qualification bout on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

  • A man and boy have their photograph taken as the sun sets behind the Olympic rings on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

  • Bjorn Otto of Germany competes in the Men's Pole Vault Final on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

  • German Sanchez Sanchez of Mexico competes in the Men's 10m Platform Diving Semifinal on Day 15 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 11, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

  • A race walker competes during the Women's 20km Walk final on Day 15 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on the streets of London on August 11, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

  • Michael Phelps of the United States competes in the Final of the Men's 400m Individual Medley on Day One of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

  • Heather Watson and Laura Robson of Great Britain play against Sabine Lisicki and Angelique Kerber of Germany on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

  • Valentina Vezzali of Italy competes against Arianna Errigo of Italy during their Women's Foil Individual Fencing Semi Final match on day one of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

  • Cate Campbell of Australia celebrates with her teammates after they won the Final of the Women's 4x100m Freestyle Relay on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

  • Queen Elizabeth II watches the morning session of the swimming at the Aquatics Centre during a tour of the Olympic Park on day one of the London 2012 Olympics Games on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Martin Rickett/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

  • Diego Occhiuzzi (R) of Italy reacts while competing against Rares Dumitrescu of Romania during their Men's Sabre Individual semifinal match on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)

So with two Olympic Games behind her, what’s next for Rebecca?

She cooly dodges responding to rumours about her retirement from swimming (unable to confirm anything until she’s spoken with her coach) and an appearance on Strictly is off the cards for now at least as she’s busy training for a charity bike ride for Sport in Action in October.

One thing’s for sure, sport will always play a big part in her life: “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” she says.

Having learnt to swim at four years old and joining NOVA swimming club at nine, swimming and sports have always been important to her.

She has high hopes for the legacy of London 2012, willing it to encourage people to be more active. Ever the humble sportswoman, she says: “If we can inspire one person to get involved in sport, it’ll make a huge difference to sport and it’s been worth it.”

Rebecca Adlington wants to use the legacy of the Olympics to inspire people to swim and is working with Speedo on a number of grass roots swimming events such as Swimathon and the Speedo Open Water Swim Series which are aimed at encouraging people to take the plunge and get into the water'.