Ariarne Titmus Reveals Why She Quit Swimming at 25
The Tasmanian swimmer became widely known after winning her third individual gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year. Four-time Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus recently shared the heartfelt reason behind her surprising decision to retire from swimming: love and family.
Reason for Retirement
About a month ago, Titmus announced her retirement with a vague statement, saying, "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 later clarified that those priorities are her new partner Mac Powell and her family.
Personal Life and Athletic Sacrifice
"In my personal life - and this was really the crux of the decision - you have to be quite a selfish person to be an athlete," Titmus told News Corp.
She explained that her intense athletic career meant sacrificing time with loved ones, including missing birthdays and family events. But now, she is unwilling to put her family second anymore.
New Relationship Influence
Shortly after the Paris Olympics, Titmus met her partner, and she decided not to sideline her relationship for her swimming career.
"I also met my partner right after the [Paris] Olympics. I wasn't willing to put that on the backburner."
Author’s Summary
Ariarne Titmus ended her swimming career at 25 to prioritize love and family, choosing personal happiness over athletic pursuits.