Olympic Gold Medalist Ricky Berens Retires – This Time For Good

AUSTIN, Texas, November 27. THIS evening, two-time Olympic gold medalist Ricky Berens made it known that he had indeed decided to retire from the sport for good following a world title at this summer’s World Championships.

Berens, best known for his amazing days as a Texas Longhorn collegiately, finished his career with two Olympic gold medals in the 800 free relay from 2008 and 2012 as well as a silver in the 400 free relay at the 2012 London Olympics.

On the long course world championship scene, Berens was a part of four world title relays. He helped Team USA to wins in the 400 free and 800 free relays in 2009 as well as the 800 free relay at the 2011 and 2013 world championships.

Berens, who came up through the age group ranks in Charlotte, N.C., attended the University of Texas from 2007 through 2010. His first international splash came by way of a gold medal on the 400 medley relay at the Pan American Games. He also took silver in both the 400 free and 800 free relays.

This is Berens’ second retirement. After the 2012 London Olympics, Berens took a short-lived seven-week retirement before deciding to make a run at 2013. He likely initially felt grateful about competing in 2012 as he wound up being scratched into an individual event with Phelps pulling the 200 free off his schedule. Berens actually learned of his new-found Olympic schedule via Twitter. The move also brought Davis Tarwater onto the team in relay duty.

Berens is excited to move on to the next stage of his life, which entails serving in the development office at his alma mater – the University of Texas.

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