Madi Wilson, Olympic gold medallist, retires from swimming
One of Australia’s darlings of the pool has announced her retirement, saying she couldn’t have dreamed of a better career.
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Adelaide-based Olympic gold medallist Madi Wilson has announced her retirement from professional swimming.
Wilson, 30, said it was hard to put into words how she felt about retiring from a sport that had dominated her life for nearly 20 years.
“Swimming has been the biggest part of my life and my identity for the better part of nearly two decades,” she said on Instagram.
“It’s been the most incredible yet challenging and rewarding journey and I feel incredibly proud of the woman I’ve become and what I achieved throughout my time representing Australia.
“I remember the young girl I was, so inspired by the athletes I watched on TV and I hope I have been the same inspiration and role model for those who are coming next. I’m sad but ready to close this part of my life and move on to what life has next.”
Wilson was born in Queensland but now lives in Adelaide with partner and Adelaide Strikers cricket captain Matt Short. The couple had their first child, Austin Wilson Short, in August.
Wilson, who previously dated fellow swimmer Kyle Chalmers, has won two gold medals as a member of the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team, first at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and again at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has been a member of six world-record Australian relay teams.
“From being a shy young country girl, to leading the Australia swim team, I couldn’t have dreamed of anything more,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone who had an impact on my career, you made me the woman I am today.”
Her announcement sparked a flood of congratulations from Australian sporting luminaries ranging from marathon runner Jess Stenson to swimming superstars Ariarne Titmus and Libby Trickett.
Short, also recently signed to stay with the Strikers for another two BBL seasons, also responded to her post.
“That’s my Madsy! Always proud of you no matter what you do!” he posted.
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Originally published as Madi Wilson, Olympic gold medallist, retires from swimming
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