World Championship Medalist Katie Drabot Retires From Swimming

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

World Championships medalist Katie Drabot has announced her retirement from swimming.

The Stanford graduate led the Cardinal to three consecutive NCAA Championships and was on three NCAA title relays. She was a 13-time All-American.

Drabot has represented her country in a plethora of international meets — including winning the bronze medal in the 200 butterfly at the 2019 World Championships.

“I think I gained a lot of confidence from worlds, realizing that I have made my presence on the world stage,” Katie Drabot said in 2021.

She was on the U.S. National team multiple times and was part of the U.S. Junior National Team, becoming a Junior National Champion. She earned multiple gold medals at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships as well.

“I will never be able to express in words how grateful I am for swimming — for the places it’s taken me, the lessons it’s taught me and, most importantly, the people it’s brought into my life,” Katie Drabot posted on social media. “To every teammate and coach I have had the opportunity to work with — you have made me the person I am today and am incredibly proud to be. Thank you for supporting me through every high and every low. To my parents, my family and my friends — thank you for your guidance and inspiration to make me a woman who is brave enough and strong enough to make this decision. Thank you for all of your unwavering support and sacrifices throughout the years.”

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Drabot went on to discuss her battle with mental health and the sport. After graduating from Stanford, she struggled, like many pro swimmers, during the pandemic to find the direction she needed.

“What they say is true — an athlete dies twice, the first being at retirement. My battle with mental health has stripped me of my identity and the one sport that has taught me everything from patience and humility to discipline, dedication and resilience. In these last few months, I have been given the opportunity to have closure with losing the sport defined me for the last 18 years,” Katie Drabot wrote. “Swimming will always be a big part of my life and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities, individuals and experiences that it’s given me. It’s now time for me to focus on my health and well-being as I start this next chapter of my life.”

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Elise Lasecki

1 year ago

Amazing talent! Good luck Katie in retirement

robert kravutske

1 year ago

you will love the futire…….your young…smart……you have the world in your hands…..from a 63 yr old…….challenge your self in anyway you want……good luck….you have that medal and no one can take that away……world class forever!!!!!