TITMUS MAKES 'TOUGH' EXIT CALL

Aussie swimming's 'Terminator' won't be back to defend Olympic title at LA 2028

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Australian four-gold Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus has retired from competitive swimming at the age of 25, calling it a “really tough” decision after ending a stellar career that featured one of the sport’s great rivalries with American Katie Ledecky.

She confirmed her decision on Oct 16, bowing out as one of Australia’s most decorated athletes with eight Olympic medals and four long-course world titles.

The decision came as a shock to her nation, and the swimming world in general, as she had long planned a return to the pool to chase more Olympic glory at Los Angeles 2028.

“A tough one, a really tough one but one that I’m really happy with,” she said of her 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 guess I've taken this time away from the pool and realised some things in my life that have always been important to me are just a little bit more important to me.”