Ariarne Titmus Opens Up on Life After Swimming Retirement

The Olympic gold medalist reflects on what she misses most about competitive swimming, but says she doesn't want that feeling enough to return to the pool.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Ariarne Titmus, the 25-year-old Australian swimmer who retired in 2025 after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, opened up about what she misses most from her competitive swimming career. While Titmus says she pines for the feeling of training with her coach and the thrill of winning, she doesn't want that feeling enough to resume swimming professionally.

Why it matters

Titmus was one of the top swimmers in the world, challenging the legendary Katie Ledecky and setting records. Her retirement at a relatively young age is noteworthy, as many elite swimmers continue competing well into their late 20s and 30s. Titmus' reflections provide insight into the mindset of a champion athlete who has decided to walk away from the sport at the peak of her powers.

The details

Titmus rose to fame in 2018 with a world record-breaking performance in the 400m freestyle. She went on to win gold in the 400m freestyle at the 2024 Olympics, repeating her victory over Ledecky. Titmus announced her retirement the following year, saying she had accomplished everything she had dreamed of. In a recent Instagram Q&A, Titmus acknowledged that she misses aspects of her swimming career, like training with her coach and the feeling of winning. However, she said she doesn't want that winning feeling enough anymore to return to the intense lifestyle required to compete at the highest level.

  • Titmus set a world record in the 400m freestyle at the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships.
  • Titmus won gold in the 400m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
  • Titmus announced her retirement from swimming in October 2025.

The players

Ariarne Titmus

A 25-year-old Australian swimmer who retired in 2025 after winning gold in the 400m freestyle at the 2024 Olympics.

Katie Ledecky

The most decorated female swimmer, who Titmus challenged and defeated in the 400m freestyle.

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What they’re saying

“I miss moments, but you'll always miss aspects of your life from the past. I miss working alongside my coach so intricately towards something that not many people in the world would get the chance to. I miss feeling fast in the water, and of course I miss that winning feeling… but you only get that feeling when you've worked for it. I didn't want that feeling enough anymore to go back to that life I needed to live to win.”

— Ariarne Titmus (Instagram)

The takeaway

Titmus' reflections on her retirement from swimming at a young age highlight the intense dedication and sacrifice required to compete at the highest levels of the sport. While she misses aspects of her career, she ultimately decided that the lifestyle was no longer something she wanted enough to continue. Her decision to walk away from the sport at the peak of her powers is a testament to her self-awareness and the importance of prioritizing personal fulfillment over external achievements.