Ariarne Titmus responds as news about Aussie swim champ sparks flood of messages

Yahoo

03-03-2025

Ariarne Titmus has joined the outpouring of messages congratulating Brianna Throssell after the swimming gold medallist announced her retirement from the sport on Sunday. Taking to social media, Throssell revealed she's retired from competitive swimming effective immediately, after revealing at last year's Paris Games that she wouldn't continue to the next Olympics.
Throssell enjoyed a breakthrough moment at the Paris Games when she claimed her first Olympic gold medal from a race where she swum in the final. She won gold as part of the women's 4x100m medley team at the Tokyo Games, but on that occasion she was only a heat swimmer.
In Paris she was selected to race in the 4x200m freestyle relay final, and helped her country win gold alongside Titmus, Mollie O'Callaghan and Lani Pallister. "As I reflect on everything I've accomplished, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride in the journey I've taken," she wrote on Sunday when she announced her retirement.
"For over 12 years, I've been a part of the Australian Dolphins team, giving everything I had, leaving no stone unturned. Swimming has been the biggest part of my life, and I've pushed myself to the absolute limit. I've competed in two Commonwealth Games, six long course World Championships, three Olympics, won four Olympic medals, and set a world record. Each of these achievements holds a special place in my heart. But the greatest reward has been the person I've become through it all.
"I am so proud of everything I've achieved and incredibly grateful for the lessons swimming has taught me. It was never about the medals, it's about the people I've met, the strength I've found within myself, and the pride in knowing I gave everything I had."
O'Callaghan, Cameron McEvoy and Shayna Jack were among the many to send their congratulations. And on Monday it was good friend Titmus' turn. Titmus and Throssell roomed together in Paris and have shared a close bond for years.
Titmus wrote: "I am so so proud of you beautiful, in and out of the pool. I am so blessed for your support and friendship and can't wait to see you do great things in the next chapter of your life! Love you lots. Here's to making many more memories."
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A post shared by Brianna Throssell (@briannathrossell)
It came after Throssell sent out another post on Instagram thanking everyone for the well-wishes, which made special mention of Titmus. "The past few days have been incredibly emotional, and I've been absolutely overwhelmed by the beautiful messages of love and support, thank you from the bottom of my heart," she wrote. "I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by the most amazing people throughout my swimming journey.
"To my biggest supporters, Mum, Dad, and Nick, thank you for being there through it all. The early mornings, the tough days, the best moments, and everything in between. I truly wouldn't be here without you. To my fiancé Josh, thank you for always being by my side, cheering me on and supporting me every step of the way I can't wait for this next chapter together. To my family, thank you for always being there and cheering me on from near and far. Your love and support mean everything.
"To my teammates, past and present, you've made this journey so special. A huge shoutout to my roomies along the way, especially Arnie (Titmus), Evie, and Shayna (Jack), for the memories, laughs, and unwavering support. And to all the athletes who have inspired me, you continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, and I'm so proud to have raced alongside you.
"This sport has given me more than I could have ever imagined, and while this chapter is closing, my love for swimming and the people in it will never fade. I'll forever cherish the friendships, the lessons, and the incredible moments that have shaped who I am today. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Throssell finishes her career with 39 medals, including four Olympic medals. She'll now switch her focus to a career in business, joining Deloitte Australia's Mergers and Acquisitions team.
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A post shared by Brianna Throssell (@briannathrossell)