‘You’ll always spot me by the water’: Four-time Olympian Emily Seebohm announces her retirement

After a dedicated career filled with early mornings and fierce competition, Australian Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm has officially retired from the sport.

The acclaimed backstroke swimmer shared her retirement news via social media on Wednesday, noting that the upcoming New Year would be a time for her to “discover my next adventure.”

As a new mother to son Sampson, who was born in September 2023, Seebohm’s illustrious career spanned four Olympic Games, five World Championships, and she held four world records.

Making her Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008 at just 16 years old, Seebohm has claimed three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal throughout her career.

At 32, she aimed to become the third Australian swimmer to compete at the Olympics post-childbirth but fell short when she lost her spot to gold medallist Kaylee McKeown.

Previously, the only other Australians to achieve this feat were Lisa Curry at the Barcelona Games in 1992 and Hayley Lewis at the Sydney Games in 2000.

Before entering the Paris Olympic trials, her last significant medal triumph was at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In her farewell message, Seebohm expressed heartfelt appreciation for those who supported her in chasing “every opportunity imaginable” to fulfil her aspirations.

“Swimming has been a central part of my life since I first made the Australian Open team at 14 in 2007,” she shared on Instagram.

“I’ve had the privilege of travelling around the world representing Australia as a Dolphin.

“It has been incredible to do what I loved, and I’ve truly enjoyed every moment!

“You’ll always find me by the water, though perhaps not on the starting blocks anymore.

“Dolphin 654, retiring the green and gold.”

Seebohm’s announcement was met with a flurry of supportive messages from her fellow Dolphins teammates, both current and former.

Two-time gold medallist Shayna Jack congratulated her, saying, “Congratulations on an outstanding career. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavours.”

Georgia Bohl added, “Love you Em. We shared some fantastic times. You always made swimming enjoyable and exciting.”

Jenna Strauch chimed in with, “You are such an inspiration. Thank you for being yourself and sharing your talent and joy with all of us.”