Swimming world left saddened over massive news about Mitch Larkin on eve of Paris Olympics
Larkin announced his swimming retirement after missing out on a spot on the Australian team for Paris
Olympic silver medallist Mitch Larkin has announced his retirement from swimming after failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 31-year-old, who has also won an Olympic bronze medal, fell painstakingly short of becoming the first Australian male swimmer to compete at four Olympics, failing to place in the 100m and 200m backstroke events at the Australian Olympic trials last month.
Larkin made his Olympic debut at the London Games in 2012 where he participated in the men's 200m backstroke and finished 8th overall. The Australian swimmer then marched onto the Rio Olympics - which turned out to be the most successful campaign of his career - competing in three events, the 100m and 200m backstroke and the 4 x 100m medley relay. Larkin took home silver in the 200m backstroke and bronze in the medley relay and also also just missed placing in the 100m backstroke finishing fourth.
In Tokyo, Larkin competed in the same three events but didn't manage to take home a medal in what was his final Olympic Games. As well as two Olympic medals, the Aussie swimmer won an incredible seven golds and four silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and also claimed three gold medals at the World Championships and one at the Pan Pacific Championships.
Mitch Larkin finishes swimming career with two Olympic medals
And after almost a quarter of a century in the pool, Larkin took to Instagram to announce he was hanging up his goggles. “They say all great things must eventually come to an end. As much as I wish this wasn’t true, sadly it is time to call it a day to my swimming career, a chapter that consumed almost 25 years of my life,” Larkin wrote on Instagram.
“It truly is hard to comprehend all the incredible memories, friendships and stories this sport has provided. Looking back as a kid dreaming of swimming for Australia, I am lucky to say I was able to live out my childhood dream.”
Mitch Larkin gives thanks to Australian Dolphins swimming team
Larkin went on to thank everyone and wished the Aussie competitors good luck in Paris. “To those of you who I ever raced, shared a lane or was able to call a teammate, coach or staff, THANK YOU for the best 25 years I could have ever dreamt of. To my parents and family THANK YOU for allowing me to dream and being my biggest supporters during the sport's most challenging times. To anyone who has ever supported the Dolphins THANK YOU,” he continued.
“To those of you who dream of representing AUS one day… I envy you. I would give it all to be a young kid again just knowing the wild adventures and friendships that are ahead of you. Walking out to your name being announced wearing the green and gold, single-handedly makes every sacrifice worthwhile.
“To those of you in Paris living out their dreams best of luck and absolutely rip in, myself and the rest of this country is behind you. You have already done us proud! I’m excited to say it’s time to pursue new dreams…”
Former teammates quickly paid tribute to the Aussie swimming great, congratulating him on his illustrious sporting career. “Congratulations on a phenomenal career,” Grant Hackett wrote. While Mack Horton added: "Incredible career. Looking forward to seeing what’s next."
