American swimmer and two-time Olympic medallist Katie Meili has announced she’ll retire from swimming after declining a spot at the 2019 FINA World Aquatics Championships later this month.
Meili was part of the United States team that won gold in the 4×100-metre medley at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she also clinched individual bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke.
The 28-year-old has been serving as a volunteer assistant coach at Georgetown University for the past two years, per SwimSam, but she took to Instagram on Tuesday detailing her decision:
“Friends and family! It is with a heart full of joy and gratitude that I announce my retirement from competitive swimming. My swimming career has been a dream come true and I am so grateful for the lessons it has taught me, the opportunities it has provided me, and most importantly, the incredible people it has brought into my life. I am indebted to so many of you who have supported me on this wonderful journey. A thousand thanks does not begin to convey my appreciation for your unwavering encouragement and love. This chapter is closing, but I’m very much looking forward to the challenges and adventures the next one will bring. All the best! Go Team USA!”
Meili had qualified to participate in the 100-metre and 50-metre breaststroke in Gwangju, South Korea, but has opted to not take part instead.
