“I never got to spend time with my family”: Ariarne Titmus reflects on leaving competitive swimming
Australian swimming star and eight-time Olympic medalist Ariarne Titmus has opened up about her decision to retire from competition at just 25 years old. She revealed that the lack of quality time with her family played a major role in her decision.
Last month, Titmus surprised the sporting world when she turned what was meant to be a temporary break into a permanent retirement. The Tasmanian athlete initially shared her thoughts on social media and elaborated further in a recent interview with Stellar Magazine.
“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 four-time Olympic champion also spoke about how her partner, Mack, influenced her final choice to step away from the pool.
“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.”
Reflections on a new chapter
Titmus admitted that the shift away from professional sport was emotional but necessary. After years of strict routines and sacrifices, stepping back allows her to rediscover balance and prioritize relationships beyond swimming.
Author’s Summary: Ariarne Titmus decided to retire at 25 to restore personal balance, valuing time with her loved ones after years of prioritizing swimming above everything else.