Ariarne Titmus has shared the surprising reaction she received after announcing her retirement from competitive swimming. Despite being at the peak of her career, the four-time Olympic gold medallist said no one has asked her why she chose to retire.
In a new interview on the Stellar podcast Something To Talk About, Titmus spoke candidly with host Sarrah Le Marquand about the response to her decision.
“I knew it would be a shock to a lot of people. It was quite out of the blue,” Titmus said. “But I certainly wasn’t expecting the reception I received.”
She recalled how quickly the news spread after her announcement at 8 a.m. Brisbane time.
“Within half an hour, all over social media there were already articles and clips.”
Titmus expressed concern that the public would not understand her reasons, yet she was surprised that not a single person asked why she was retiring so young.
“I am at the top of my game, I’m still only 25, and I was concerned that the wider public wouldn’t understand my reasoning. But I haven’t had one person asking me why.”
Titmus stated that she is content with what she achieved in the pool and is eager to face new opportunities beyond swimming. She pinpointed a key moment in her decision at the World Championships in July when she worked in the commentary box.
Her reflections highlight a thoughtful transition from athlete to the next phase in life.
Ariarne Titmus’s retirement stunned fans, with no one questioning her reasons despite her top form, revealing her readiness to embrace life beyond swimming.