Australian Olympic Gold Medalist Jessicah Schipper Retires

Photo Courtesy: Peter H.Bick

QUEENSLAND, Australia, September 28. Triple Olympian, Olympic Gold Medallist and multiple World Champion Jessicah (Jess) Schipper has today announced her retirement from competitive swimming.

One of the country’s most successful female butterfly swimmers, the 27-year-old was a member of the women’s gold medal winning 4x100m medley relay teams at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.

In a remarkable career spanning a decade at the top, Schipper competed at three Olympic Games (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012), two Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010) and five World Championships (Barcelona 2003, Montreal 2005, Melbourne 2007, Rome 2009 and Shanghai 2011).

Schipper made her debut for Australia at the 2003 FINA World Championships, winning the bronze medal as part of the 4x100medley relay team. She then went on to win Gold in the 100m butterfly and 4 x100 Medley Relay at the 2005 FINA World Championships, Gold in the 200m butterfly and 4 x 100 Medley Relay at the 2007 FINA World Championships and Gold in the 200m butterfly at the 2009 FINA World Championships setting a new world record.

Following the 2012 London Olympics, Schipper took a break and had her first child Robbie. Speaking about leaving the sport now more formally, Schipper said she felt comfortable with her decision to move on to the next stage in her life and career.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wonderful husband Brett and my son Robbie.”

“I’m leaving the sport with some amazing friends and memories. I’ve received some incredible support throughout my career from my family, my coaches, my teammates and my sponsors, in particular Swimming Australia, QAS, Adidas and Australia Post.

“I’m looking forward to spending more quality time with my family and starting my new job at Swimming Queensland,” Schipper said.

She will leave the sport still holding the Australian and Commonwealth records for both the 100m and 200m butterfly, three age group records she has held for nearly a decade and ranked as number one on the Australian all-time top ten for both the 100 and 200m butterfly.

Swimming Australia CEO Mark Anderson said Schipper’s success over the years is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.

“Jess’ performances and success across three Olympics and the Commonwealth Games with multiple gold medals and world records demonstrate her quality as both an athlete and competitor,” said Anderson.

“In addition to her many achievements in the pool, Jess will be remembered by all Australians as a great ambassador for our sport and our country. We wish her continued success in the next phase of her life.”

Jessicah Schipper
Born: 19/11/1986 in Brisbane Queensland
Coaches: Ken Wood and Stephan Widmar
Main Events: 100m and 200m butterfly

Career Highlights
World Record Holder (200m Butterfly long course)
World Record Holder (100m Butterfly short course)
Commonwealth Record Holder (200m Butterfly short course)
Commonwealth Record Holder (100m Butterfly long course)
World Champion 2005 (100m Butterfly)
World Champion 2007 & 2009 (200m Butterfly)
Bronze Medal 100m Butterfly 2008 Beijing Olympics
Bronze Medal 200m Butterfly 2008 Beijing Olympics
Gold Medal (World Record) 4 x 100m Medley Relay 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World. To reach our audience, contact us at newsmaster@swimmingworld.com.

jessicah-schipper — Photo Courtesy: Peter H.Bick

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