Two-time Olympic gold medallist Brittany Elmslie announces her retirement from swimming

Two-time Olympian and one of Queensland and Australia’s finest swimmers, Brittany Elmslie, has announced her retirement.

Two-time Olympian and one of Queensland and Australia’s finest swimmers, Brittany Elmslie, has announced her retirement.

The Olympic gold medallist farewelled competitive swimming on Instagram with an emotional statement saying it was “challenging” to sum-up her career and emotions.

“After 12 years of dedicating my mind, body and soul to the pursuit of excellence, I can proudly announce that my competitive swimming journey has come to an end,’’ Elmslie said.

“I can’t put into words the amount of respect I hold for the sport and the incredible people who I have shared this chapter of my life with.’’

Brittany Elmslie launches into the pool. (Photo by Patrick B. Kraemer / MAGICPBK)

Her coach David Lush from the Brisbane Grammar Swim Club described Elmslie as an athlete who “embodies the ultimate racer’’.

“I’ve never seen another athlete that is capable of backing themselves completely, no matter who is next to them,’’ Lush said.

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“Her ability to push herself beyond limits, rise to the occasion and embrace what it means to be an Australian Dolphin is what has made her successful and why her teammates have selected her as a team leader.’’

Raised on the Sunshine Coast, Elmslie moved to the northern Brisbane suburb of Wavell Heights to further her swimming career with Matt Brown at the then named Nudgee Brothers Swimming Club.

She later continued her career continued under Lush at Brisbane Grammar Swim Club where she continued to train alongside her long time Australian team mate Emily Seebohm, whom she knew from Nudgee Brothers.

Her long time training partner Emily Seebohm. Picture: Marc McCormack

The past student of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School, she was one of the finest swimmers out of the powerful QGSSSA system and a veteran of two Olympic Games where she won two gold medals and two silver medals.

She twice went to the world championships, was a Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs representatives and went on many other Australian teams.

“I am incredibly proud of the medals I won throughout this journey yet the thing I am most grateful for are the unforgettable memories I made with so many amazing humans,’’ she said.

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“The positive impact swimming has had on my life is overwhelming which is why I will still be passionately involved with giving back to the sport that gave me so much.

“Life is too short to waste any days not challenging yourself.

“Sometimes that means letting go of something that once was the spark of your purpose but as you grow as a person I have learnt that the spark shifts and you owe it to yourself to continue chasing what makes you feel most alive.’’