Champion Mack Horton reveals 2024 Paris Olympics goals

Olympic champion Mack Horton has revealed his intentions following speculation he might retire from racing after a disappointing World Championships campaign.

Olympic champion Mack Horton has confirmed he’s still targeting another shot at glory after disappointingly missing out on a place in the World Championships spot earlier this year.

The 27-year-old swimmer triumphed on the biggest stage of all winning gold in the 400m freestyle to make a triumphant 2016 Olympics campaign.

However, missing out on the World Championships squad, in what was one of Australia’s most dominant outings, raised speculation he may retire from racing.

Mack Horton is with a group of Olympians visiting remote schools and communities in the Top End. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Speaking today in Katherine, as part of the Olympics Unleashed program, the star confirmed he was still in full training mode with his team at Griffith University.

“I missed the team which was disappointing, and tough, but this year was huge for the team being our most successful World Championships ever,” Horton said.

“It proves we can do it and take it to the rest of the world, and I think gives the team as a whole a lot of confidence.

“I’m still swimming, I did a little one at the RAAF base here, which was nice, and I’m still training with the group at Griffith full time.

“Still trying to figure out what the next few months look like, as the Olympics are still a few months away, but I’m piecing it all together, there’s plenty of time.”

Horton is now one of the senior members of the Australian swim team with plenty of medals to his name, including four Commonwealth golds.

Mack Horton competing in the men's 200m freestyle swimming event at the 2023 Australian World Championship Trials earlier this year. Picture: William WEST / AFP

He’s in Katherine this week sharing the message of his journey in remote communities and schools with the hopes of helping inspire kids to find their passions.

“We’re sharing the Olympic spirit with schools in the Katherine area, which has been fantastic in sharing the love,” he said.

“You almost forget living in the bigger cities how big Australia is and how much happens out here, to be able to come out and inspire the next younger kids and future generations is great.

“We want to get them thinking about stuff like the Olympics, but also goal setting, having high aspirations and giving them clarity on how to reach out for their goals themselves.

“The biggest part is balancing sport and school, and the main message is that you have to love it, I’ve swam this far and made the Olympics because I love it.

“If they’re able to find something they love they should get stuck into it and really soak up all the experiences.”

Originally published as Champion Mack Horton reveals 2024 Paris Olympics goals