Ariarne Titmus reflects on her retirement and public reaction
Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus has shared the one question she hasn’t been asked since announcing her retirement from competitive swimming. During a conversation on the Stellar podcast Something To Talk About, the four-time Olympic champion spoke candidly about her unexpected experience following the announcement.
"I knew it would be a shock to a lot of people. It was quite out of the blue," Titmus told podcast host Sarrah Le Marquand.
She admitted that she hadn’t anticipated the overwhelming reaction across social media in the hours after her announcement.
"The morning I hit post at 8am Brisbane time, within half an hour all over social media there were already articles and clips. I certainly wasn’t expecting the reception I received," she said.
Titmus explained that although she remains at the top of her game and only 25 years old, she feared the public might not understand her decision to step away from professional sport. To her surprise, no one had directly asked her why she chose to retire.
"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."
Reflecting further, Titmus said she feels content with what she accomplished in the pool and is ready for new challenges beyond competition. A defining moment came when she worked as a commentator during the World Championships in July, helping confirm that she was ready for the next chapter.
Author’s Summary
Ariarne Titmus opens up about her surprise at the public’s reaction to her early retirement, expressing gratitude for her career and readiness for new adventures ahead.