Commonwealth & European Champion Brodie Williams Announces Retirement
Commonwealth and European champion Brodie Williams has announced his retirement from the sport saying he “lived it, loved it.”
The backstroke specialist won his first senior international medal at the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow where he led off the Great Britain’s men in the medley relay prelims. He was replaced in the final by Nicholas Pyle as the quartet went on to win gold in a championship record.
Williams had a fine campaign representing Team England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games which he got underway with silver in the 100 back behind Pieter Coetze of South Africa.
He followed that up in the 200 where he came from second at the final turn to hold off the late surge of Bradley Woodward of Australia and clinch the title by 0.01 in 1:56.40.
The Bath swimmer concluded his programme with a second gold as he led off the England men’s medley relay that beat Australia by 0.08 despite the late charge of Kyle Chalmers
Williams competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 where he was 15th in the 200 back semis and finished 21st in the 400IM.
Writing on social media, he said: “It’s probably about time to announce my retirement from competitive swimming…
“This post is more a thank you to everyone who was part of my swimming story, the coaches, staff, and friends who made my journey so special.
“I am extremely proud of what I was able to accomplish and am happy knowing I left everything in the pool (and the bin 🤢). My dream was always to be an Olympian, so I have definitely exceeded my childhood expectations!
“I will miss seeing everyone at meets, traveling the world, and doing the sport I love with all of my mates. I’ll even miss sharing a room with @joelitchfield. Don’t be strangers!
“Lived it, loved it,
“Thank you swimming. 🏊♂️”