Rebecca Adlington splits from husband Harry Needs

Former Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has announced her split from husband Harry Needs after 18 months of marriage.

Rebecca, 27, said the separation from fellow ex-swimmer Needs was 'on amicable terms' and insisted the pair 'remain close friends'.

The couple tied the knot in August 2014 at a rural wedding venue in Staffordshire and Rebecca gave birth to their first child in June last year.

A statement posted on Rebecca’s website said: “It’s after much thought and sadness that we confirm our separation. It is on amicable terms and we still remain close friends.

“We move forward with respect for one another and our focus and commitment is on parenting our gorgeous daughter Summer.

“This will be our only comment on this private matter.”

Rebecca Adlington shows off her two gold medals

(Steve Parsons/PA)

Rebecca, who won two golds at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and two bronzes at London 2012, described her daughter’s arrival as her 'greatest achievement'.

Last month, she appeared as a contestant on Channel 4′s The Jump but withdrew on medical advice after sustaining a shoulder injury.