“I never got to spend time with my family”: Ariarne Titmus reflects on her decision to retire from competitive swimming
Australian swimming star and eight-time Olympic medallist Ariarne Titmus has opened up about her choice to step away from competitive swimming at 25, citing the lack of time with loved ones as the main reason behind her decision.
Announcement and background
Last month, the Tasmanian athlete surprised the sports world by making her retirement official. What began as a temporary break evolved into a lasting decision. Initially revealed through social media, Titmus later offered more insight during an interview with Stellar Magazine.
Balancing sport and personal life
“I’ve lived my life not caring that I never got to spend birthdays with my friends or attend family events because I had to be in bed for training,” she said.
“I didn’t really get to enjoy time with my family over Christmas or Easter, because my focus was always on swimming.”
The multiple-time Olympic champion described how years of prioritizing her sport often meant sacrificing personal experiences and family moments.
Influence of her partner
“I met my partner right after the Olympics, and I wasn’t willing to return to the life I’d always known, one where I constantly put my family second,” she explained.
“Swimming has always come first, and they’ve understood that. But to be an athlete, you have to be a bit selfish.”
Titmus noted that her relationship with her partner Mack encouraged her to reconsider the balance between ambition and quality time with loved ones.
Author’s summary
Ariarne Titmus retired at 25 to prioritize family and personal life after years of sacrifice, marking the end of a remarkable yet demanding swimming career.