Adlington, who won two gold medals at Beijing Olympics in 2008, was in tears after winning bronze in the 800 metres freestyle swimming.

After struggling to control her tears while on the podium she said she would now stay away from the pool for some time.

Adlington is reportedly planning to participate in a charity bike ride in Africa later this year and after that she will make a decision on whether to retire or return in the pool.

When asked about her possibility of appearing in next Olympics Adlington said, “I don’t really know to be honest. Obviously I still love the sport or I wouldn’t be so upset and there wouldn’t be this emotion there.”

“But I am looking forward to taking a break. I have the challenge of the bike ride but once I finish the bike ride in October I will analyze how much I have missed it [swimming] and see how I feel after that,” she added.

“I genuinely love the sport and I still love it now. That will not change. [But] I have to feel like I want to swim,” the swimming star concluded.