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Australian four-time Olympic gold medalist arian titmus has retired from competition float End of a brilliant career at the age of 25 Featured one of the sport’s great rivalries with american Katie Ledecky,
Titmuss confirmed his decision on Thursday, bowing out as one of Australia’s most decorated athletes with eight Olympic medals and four world titles.
The decision came as a shock to her country and the swimming world in general, as she had long planned to return to the pool to pursue more Olympic glory at Los Angeles 2028.
“A tough one, really tough but I’m really happy with it,” he said of his decision in a video on social media.
“I love swimming, I’ve always loved swimming. It’s been my passion since I was a little girl.”
“But I think I’ve taken this time away from the pool and realized that some of the things in my life that have always been important to me are a little more important to me.
Titmuss won her third individual Olympic gold medal in the 400 meter freestyle final in what was called the “race of the century” at the Paris Games, when she Ledecky and Canada’s Summer McIntosh are in the fray to defend their title.
After Paris, he decided to take a year off from competition and training to refresh himself, deciding to skip the World Championships in Singapore and instead cover the meet as a TV commentator.
But the return to the pool never happened.
Titmuss had surgery to remove a benign tumor from her ovaries eight months before Paris and said the health problem had reminded her of having a life outside of swimming.
“Thinking more deeply about those health challenges, I have to think about what’s most important to me,” said Titmuss, who retired as the 200 freestyle world record holder.
“I have always had goals in my personal life beyond swimming.
“More than anything I’m excited for what’s next.”
Australian swimming faces final two olympicsTitmus’s retirement robbed the national team of an inspirational leader who had done much to restore the country’s superpower status in the sport after a lackluster decade.
Born in Tasmania, Titmuss moved to Queensland as a teenager to train with elite coach Dean Boxall.
Earned the nickname ‘Terminator’ after winning the 400 and 800 freestyle titles at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, then announced herself to the swimming world by defeating Ledecky in the 400 in 2019. World Aquatics Championships,
Two years later, his swim to reel in Ledecky and snatch her 400 crown at the Tokyo Games instantly became folklore, along with Boxel’s frantic celebration in the stands.
The successful defense of her title in Paris made her the first Australian woman to compete consecutively in an individual swimming event since Dawn Fraser in the 1960s.
Titmus also won two silvers and a relay gold in Paris, including finishing runner-up to Ledecky in a thrilling 800 freestyle final.
She always said that Ledecky, the ‘GOAT’ of women’s swimming, made her a better competitor, but as intense as the rivalry was, there was only mutual praise, hugs and kind words outside the pool.
American greats were among those congratulating Titmuss on his career after his retirement announcement.
“An excellent competitor, champion and person!” she wrote on Titmus’ Instagram feed.
reuters