Four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus has announced her retirement from competitive swimming, a decision that has taken the Australian sporting world by surprise. The 25-year-old, who was widely expected to target the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, confirmed her decision in a social media post on Thursday, following a break from the sport after the Paris 2024 Games.
In a video posted to Instagram, Titmus explained that her time away from the pool shifted her priorities. “I’ve always loved swimming; it’s been my passion since I was a little girl, but I guess I’ve taken this time away from the sport and realised some things in my life that have always been important to me are just a little bit more important to me now than swimming,” she said. “And that’s OK.” She also cited her 2023 surgery for benign ovarian tumors as a significant factor: "I went through some health challenges which, quite frankly, really rocked me... I wish maybe I enjoyed that last race a little bit more.”
Titmus retires as one of Australia’s most successful swimmers, holding the current world record in the 200m freestyle. Her career includes eight Olympic medals; four gold, three silver, and one bronze, and four world titles. She famously defended her 400m freestyle Olympic title in Paris last year in a celebrated race against American Katie Ledecky and Canada’s Summer McIntosh. She also secured gold in the 200m and 400m freestyle in Tokyo and was part of the winning 4x200m relay team in Paris.
In a separate post formatted as a letter to her seven-year-old self, Titmus reflected on her career. “Today you retire from competitive swimming. 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 wrote. “The dreams you had, they all came true. You achieved more than you ever thought you were capable of and you should be so proud.”
Swimming Australia noted the “seismic void” left by Titmus, who had dominated the 400m freestyle for seven years. Tributes came from officials and rivals alike. Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman praised her as "an absolute champion," while US great Katie Ledecky called her an "outstanding competitor, champion and person." Teammate Mollie O’Callaghan also congratulated Titmus on an "amazing career."