4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Announces Shocking Retirement at 25 Years Old: ‘The Time Feels Right’

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus is retiring from competitive swimming at the age of 25.

The Australian athlete and 200-meter freestyle world record holder announced her surprising decision in an announcement on social media on Thursday, Oct. 16.

“Today you retire from competitive swimming,” Titmus wrote in a letter to her seven-year-old self. “18 years you spent in the pool competing. 10 of those representing your country. You went to two Olympic Games and even better, you won!!!”

She continued, “The dreams you had.. they all came true. The friends you’ve made.. they’re for life. You achieved more than you ever thought you were capable of and you should be so proud.”

The reigning Olympic champion in the 400-meter freestyle went on to acknowledge all of the “incredible” people and coaches who have helped her achieve her dreams, and said that after recently turning 25, “the time feels right to step away from swimming.”

In addition to the 400-meter gold medal, she also took gold in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay and silver in the 200-meter freestyle and the 800-meter freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics — all of which came exactly one year after she had surgery to remove an ovarian tumor, according to The Athletic.

Shortly after the Olympics, Titmus — whose nickname is “The Terminator” — announced that she was taking a “very extended break” away from swimming, and she has not competed since. 

“I haven’t planned when I’m going back to swimming,” she told reporters at the time. “I want to go back when I feel ready to go back. Could be up to 12 months.”

Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest middle-distance swimmers of all time, Titmus is walking away from the sport.

Among those who celebrated the swimmer in the comments to her post on Instagram was her chief rival, American swimmer Katie Ledecky.

“An outstanding competitor, champion and person! 👏🏼❤️Congratulations @ariarnetitmus_” Ledecky, 28, wrote.

For Titmus, the timing is seemingly right.

“The pursuit was unrelenting and you gave it every skerrick of yourself,” she wrote to herself in her post. “You walk away knowing every stone was turned, no regrets. You’re fulfilled, content and happy.”

She concluded, “Make sure you enjoy every moment, big or small. Trust me, time flies.”