Libby Trickett

Libby Trickett has announced that she has retired from competitive swimming.

The triple Olympic gold medallist won eight world championship gold medals and is a former world record holder.

“It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for almost a year now, and after much consideration and speaking with my family and close friends I know that I am ready to move on to the next stage of my life and career,” Trickett told a media conference at North Sydney Pool.

“Swimming is such a great sport to be involved with and has been a huge part of my life for such a long time.

“Through swimming I’ve been able to travel the world doing something that I love and this great sport has provided me with so many fantastic memories and opportunities.

“I would like to thank everyone for their fantastic support throughout my career, especially my family and coaches Stephan Widmer and Grant Stoelwinder.”

Trickett had not been back in training since the controversial Rome World Championships in August – the titles farcically dominated by polyurethane swimsuits – and the 24-year-old admitted she was pondering her future.

Last week at a sponsors’ launch, she announced that a decision on whether she would continue or quit was imminent, as it had reached “crunch time” with the selection trials for next year’s Commonwealth Games just three months away.

“A decision does need to be made in the next few weeks. It’s really important for me to do that. I do feel like I am getting closer, but I want to make sure I’m making the right decision, whatever that may be. I need to take my time and I’ve been really enjoying my break and doing lots of different things,” she said last Monday.

“I’m trying to swim at least once a week and I’m trying to keep fit and active, because I love the feeling of being healthy. But you want to have good preparation for [selection] trials coming up in March, so, while I’ve tried not to rush it, it is crunch time and I do need to make a decision.”