Australian swimming star Ariarne Titmus retires at age 25

Surprisingly, at only 25 years old, Ariarne Titmus, one of the greatest swimmers ever, 4 Olympic gold medals and as many world championships, has announced her farewell to swimming: and she did it with a letter to her child self, tracing dreams pursued and realized, amidst the many sacrifices, renunciations, first of all leaving her family at only 14 years old, then the fear and pain of a serious health problem. A “difficult decision” which, says the class of 2000 champion freestyle specialist, comes after the break taken closed the Paris Games. A year off to recharge her batteries ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics: and instead the choice to stop here.

“Dear Ariarne of seven years, you retire from competitive swimming, 18 you spent in the pool, 10 representing your country. You competed in two Olympics and even won: the dreams you had all came true, now make sure you enjoy every moment of your life – writes Titmus on social -. I have always loved swimming, it has been my passion since I was a child – she says announcing her retirement on social -, but in this time away from the sport I realized that things in my life that have always been important to me are now more so than swimming. You have achieved more than you could have imagined and for that you should be proud.”

“Along the journey you met incredible people who helped you, you have to thank them all. You leave home 14 years old, what a difficult decision it was to leave. Mom and Dad saw the tears in your eyes and sacrificed everything. Without them you would not be here. You just turned 25 and it seems like the right time to leave swimming. You leave the scene knowing that everything has been done with no regrets, you are satisfied and happy. What awaits you now is exciting, new goals, more time to spend with the people you love, and a chance to put yourself first and not your sport. Enjoy every moment, time flies”.

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In Paris the Australian had arrived after surgery to remove an ovarian tumor: and she did it again as queen, taking her third individual gold in the stellar 400-style final in which she faced and beat the unbeatable American Katie Ledecky. The holder of two world records, including that of the 200 sl (1’52″”23) that was Federica Pellegrini’s, Titmus has won 33 medals, eight Olympic: her rivalry with Ledecky made their challenges in the pool stellar, with the American beaten first in Tokyo and then in Paris.