Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington has been unveiled as the face of Speedo after having not secured a major sponsor.

The 19-year-old had a stunning 2008 during which she became the first British woman since Anita Lonsbrough in 1960 to win Olympic swimming gold, when she claimed the 400metres and 800m freestyle titles in Beijing last summer.

Despite her high profile following the Games, the Mansfield teenager had not tied up a major sponsor until Speedo's intervention where she now joins Olympic multi-medallist Michael Phelps.

Adlington said: "For me, 2008 was filled with some unbelievable achievements. I am thrilled to be starting this new year with Speedo, one of the most iconic sports brands in the world.

"I am looking forward to another fantastic year in 2009 with Speedo by my side.''

Adlington wore the Speedo LZR Racer in Beijing and the suits have come under scrutiny after 108 world records fell in 2008, with new marks being set immediately after the introduction of that particular suit in February.

The suits became the dominant issue in the sport, reaching a crescendo at last month's European Short-Course Championships in Rijeka, Croatia, where 15 of the 17 leading European nations signed a petition which has been presented to governing body FINA.