Ariarne Titmus Retires After Ovarian Surgery

Ariarne Titmus, 25, announced her retirement from competitive swimming via social media, ending a decorated career that included four Olympic golds among eight Olympic medals, multiple world championship titles, membership of world-record relay teams and the 200m freestyle world record. She defended her 400m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics in a high-profile race against Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh, set an Olympic record in the 200m, and became the first Australian since Dawn Fraser to win consecutive Olympic golds in that event. Titmus said a period away from the sport after Paris, changing life priorities and health challenges led her to step away, and she disclosed she had surgery to remove benign ovarian tumours before Paris. Since the Games she has done broadcast work, signalled interest in mentoring younger athletes and exploring opportunities beyond elite sport, and thanked coaches, teammates, family and fans in an emotional post. Swimming Australia and peers praised her career, saying her retirement removes a marquee rivalry from future Olympics and leaves a notable gap in Australia’s medal prospects.