Olympian Joanne Jackson Announces Retirement

LOUGHBOROUGH, England, November 27. THREE days after losing her 400 freestyle world record, Joanne Jackson has announced her retirement from competitive swimming.

“I feel so lucky to have been able to compete (at) an international (level) for so many years and to have been to three Olympic Games,” Jackson told British Swimming. “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Jackson was the short course meters world record holder in the 400 freestyle with a 3:54.92, set in 2009. That record was broken last weekend by France's Camille Muffat. Jackson's career highlights also include a bronze medal in a close finish in the 400 free at the 2008 Olympics, and a brief stint as the long course world record holder in 2009 in the 400 free with a 4:00.66. That record was broken a few months later by Federica Pellegrini at the world championships. At that meet, Jackson won silver medals in the 400 and 800 freestyles.

In addition to the 2008 Games, Jackson competed for Great Britain at the 2004 Olympics in the 400 free and 800 free relay. Jackson's final competition was in front of a home crowd at the 2012 Olympics, where she placed 21st in the 400 free and helped Great Britain to a fifth-place finish in the 800 freestyle relay.

Jackson trained at the end of her career with a prestigious group of swimmers at Loughborough University under the guidance of David McNulty, Ben Titley and Kevin Renshaw. Now, she's looking to contribute to the sport from the deck.

“I have been fortunate to have some great sponsors who stuck with me through all the ups and downs,” she said. “And British Swimming, coaches and the support team have been awesome. I'm now looking at new opportunities to start a Swim Academy and begin a brand new career in Events.”

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