Australian Olympian Tamsin Cook to Focus on School; Retires from Swimming

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Photo Courtesy: Singapore Swimming Federation

19-year-old Tamsin Cook recently announced that she is retiring from the sport of swimming. Instead of swimming, she will be focusing on her University studies in communication and media and focus on having a “normal life for a little while.”

Cook explained to The West Australian,

“My plans are just to focus on my university, focus on my goals in that area and have a normal life for a little while. I’ve been trying for a long time to get my head back into the game and I’ve just found over the last two years my priorities have shifted away from the pool.”

Cook stormed to recognition in the sport when she anchored Team Australia’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay to a stunning silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She also finished sixth overall in the final for the 400 freestyle.

Prior to the 2016 Rio Olympics, Cook turned heads at the 2015 World Junior Championships, where she won the 400 freestyle and earned herself a spot on the Australian senior team.

Following the 2016 Rio Olympics, the then-17-year-old took a break from swimming and did not participate at the 2017 Australian National Championships nor the 2017 World Championships. She had intended to return to swimming but was delayed when a car accident injured her neck.

When asked if she is retiring for good, Cook admitted to The West Australian that she would not rule out a comeback.

“I’m going to be 21 when Tokyo is on, 25 when the Olympics are on in 2024 and there are athletes who have competed beyond those ages. I left on really good terms and I have no bitter feelings towards the sport at all so I definitely don’t rule out coming back, but for the foreseeable future I’m not going to be swimming.”

The West Australian contributed to this report.

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