Four-time Olympic medallist and one of Great Britain’s most celebrated swimmers, Rebecca Adlington OBE, will join the special guests at the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala in London this November.
Taking place at The Peninsula London on Friday 20 November, the Gala will bring together leading figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment, business and philanthropy in support of the Pho3nix Foundation’s mission to create healthier, happier futures for children through sport.
Adlington is one of the most successful swimmers in British Olympic history. At just 19 years of age, she produced an extraordinary performance at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, winning gold in both the 400m and 800m freestyle. Her victory in the 800m also saw her break a world record that had stood for 19 years.
Four years later, competing in front of a home crowd at London 2012, Adlington added bronze medals in both the 400m and 800m freestyle to complete a remarkable Olympic career spanning four medals across two Games.
Her achievements extend across the sport, with medals at Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European level, and she was awarded an OBE for her contribution to swimming.
A commitment beyond competition
Since retiring from elite competition, Adlington has continued to use sport as a platform to make a difference.
Inspired by the legacy of London 2012, she has made increasing access to swimming for children a major focus of her work. Through Becky Adlington’s SwimStars, she is helping children develop confidence in the water, learn essential water safety skills and experience the enjoyment that comes from being active.
Her ambition to help every child leave primary school able to swim 25 metres reflects a belief shared closely by the Pho3nix Foundation: that sport can equip young people with skills, confidence and opportunities that extend far beyond competition.
Adlington has also remained a prominent voice in international sport through her work in television and broadcasting, including coverage of major swimming championships and Olympic Games.
Sport with purpose
The Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala is the Pho3nix Foundation’s flagship annual fundraising event, raising vital funds to support programmes that give children and young people greater access to sport and physical activity.
Through its global programmes and partnerships, the Foundation works to remove barriers to participation and inspire young people to move, develop and thrive through sport.
The 2026 Gala will continue that legacy, bringing together an exceptional line-up of sporting champions and special guests. Joining Adlington among those already confirmed to attend are six-time NBA champion and basketball legend Scottie Pippen, four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, Rugby World Cup-winning England captain Lawrence Dallaglio, Olympic triathlon champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, and former England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook.
Guests attending the Gala will enjoy an exclusive live auction featuring extraordinary sporting experiences and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, while supporters around the world will also have the opportunity to participate through an online auction.
Individuals, brands and organisations wishing to contribute auction items or experiences are invited to support the Pho3nix Foundation’s fundraising efforts and help create greater opportunities for children and young people through sport.
Register your interest
Table packages for the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala are now available. Guests can register their interest via the Gala enquiry form and receive updates from the Pho3nix Concierge team as further details are announced.
For Gala enquiries, table packages or expressions of interest, please please visit the Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala website.
