Rebecca Adlington gives gold star to Chase Leisure Centre
British Olympic legend Rebecca Adlington hailed the new Chase Leisure Centre 'amazing' as she cut the ribbon to officially open the venue and unveiled a plaque bearing her name.
Miss Adlington, who shares the record as Britain's most decorated female Olympian with Katherine Grainger, was in Cannock to do the honours at the £6 million venue.
And the 24-year-old who shot to fame with double gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 said first-class facilities would help launch future stars. "It's amazing to have a facility like that, because it makes the kids happy," she said.
"It's inviting and it's just a nice environment, and a lot of pools are not getting refurbished now because of the recession."
The opening of the three pools at Chase has been plagued by delays.
Originally they were due to reopen last August but cracks were found in the tiles and months of repair works followed. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust chief executive Stuart Murray claims Chase Leisure Centre is 'second to none'.
The main pool is regulation length and will be able to hold competitions.
The small pool is filled with warmer water aimed at parents and young children.
