Aussie swimming great Titmus announces shock retirement

Australian four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus has retired from competitive swimming at the age of 25, ending a stellar career that featured one of the sport’s great rivalries with American Katie Ledecky.

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Titus confirmed her decision on Thursday, bowing out as one of Australia’s most decorated athletes with eight Olympic medals and four 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.”