Rebecca Adlington's grandmother died on the day the star welcomed her third child into the world.
The Team GB Olympian gave birth to Thea Joy on February 28, following two miscarriages in a space of three years, and on Tuesday (03.03.26), Rebecca, 37, revealed that the name of her and husband, facilities manager Andy Parsons' baby daughter, is a tribute to Joyce.
The double Olympic gold medallist swimmer - who also has a son called Albie, four, with Andy, and a daughter named Summer, eight, with her ex-husband, Harry Needs - took to Instagram on Tuesday and posted a series of photos of little Thea bonding with her family.
Rebecca captioned the upload: "What a rollercoaster this whole experience has been. Three years, two miscarriages, 39 weeks carrying our magical rainbow girl, and 87 hours in hospital.
"Thea Joy Parsons arrived on 28th February, the very same day my nana, Joyce, passed away. A true full circle moment of life. Joy is a nod to her, and we know Thea will bring us all so much joy."
Rebecca went on to express her sympathy for couples who have also experienced miscarriages.
The former athlete concluded: "We are so incredibly happy she is home and healthy. I know so many of you are still waiting for your rainbow, and we are thinking of you, sending so much love and support your way."
Rebecca announced her pregnancy in September 2025 - almost two years after they were left heartbroken after learning their daughter Harper didn't have a heartbeat at her 20-week scan in 2023.
In an Instagram post, Rebecca wrote: "We want to share that we are expecting a child. It has been an emotional and physical rollercoaster navigating these past 19 months of trying, but this pregnancy has been a small miracle.
"We questioned whether we wanted to share this news but we want to continue to be open and honest about our journey and be mindful of the struggles that others have had and continue to have.
"We are taking each day as it comes and are incredibly grateful for the care we are receiving from the NHS (Rainbow Team) and are feeling overwhelmingly supported by them.
"While we are cautiously overjoyed, we carry awareness of the quiet struggles many face, and we send love to those hearts too. We know so many people are still waiting for this kind of news. (sic)"
The loss of Harper came a year after Rebecca suffered another miscarriage at 12 weeks, and she was subsequently struck down with sepsis and kidney failure.
She praised her “angel” Andy and the rest of her family, who “rallied around” as she struggled to come to terms with her loss and her own health crisis.
