Three-time Olympic champion Katinka Hosszu of Hungary, known as the 'Iron Lady' of swimming, has officially announced her retirement from the sport. Hosszu, a highly decorated swimmer and one of the greatest all-around athletes in the discipline, made the announcement at the age of 35.
Hosszu's illustrious career spanned five Olympic Games, with her debut at the 2004 Athens Games when she was just 15 years old. Her most notable achievements came at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she clinched three individual gold medals in the 100-meter backstroke, 200 individual medley, and 400 individual medley, along with a silver in the 200 backstroke.
Throughout her career, Hosszu amassed an impressive collection of nine individual world titles in the long course pool dating back to 2009. She still holds the world record in the long course 200 individual medley and has secured a total of 17 gold medals in the world short course championships.
In a reflective statement shared on Instagram, Hosszu expressed her deep connection to the sport of swimming, describing the water as her sanctuary and source of strength for over three decades. She reminisced about the magical feeling she experienced when she first entered the pool as a child, highlighting the sense of fulfillment and love for swimming that defined her career.
While medals and records hold significance, Hosszu emphasized that her enduring passion for swimming remains the most profound aspect of her journey. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the swimming world, as fans and fellow athletes celebrate the remarkable legacy left behind by the iconic 'Iron Lady' of the sport.
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