AN Olympic gold medallist surprised a pool full of swimmers when she called into Kendal’s Lakes Leisure centre for a dip.

Rebecca Adlington, who won two Olympic golds during her career, posed for photos, and chatted with youngsters, after popping into the Burton Road centre on Monday.

“It was really unexpected to see her,” said Linda Womack, who coaches the Kendal Amateur Swimming Club.

“She was happy to have her picture taken, and the kids were over the moon.”

Rebecca, 24, who is staying in the area, arrived at the pool at around 11am with a man believed to be her fiance and fellow swimmer, Harry Needs.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw her,” said Levens man Steve Kitchen, one of just four people using the ‘fast’ lane alongside her.

“They passed me quite a few times, but you’ve got to bow to their speed!”

The Mansfield-born swimmer, who retired from international competition in 2013, posed for photos with the team of local youngsters training at the pool.