Sydney: Australia’s four-time Olympic champion and women’s 200m freestyle world record holder Ariarne Titmus has announced her retirement from competitive swimming.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Titmus shared the news through a video posted on social media, expressing that her passion for swimming has been a lifelong journey. “I’ve always loved swimming, it’s been my passion since I was a little girl,” Titmus stated. However, she revealed that taking time away from the sport led her to realize that certain aspects of her life have grown in importance, surpassing her dedication to swimming.

Titmus, 25, concludes her illustrious career with an impressive haul of eight Olympic medals across the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, including four gold medals. Her achievements extend to the world championships, where she claimed nine medals, including four golds, solidifying her status as a formidable force in the swimming world.