3-time Olympian Lauren Boyle of New Zealand has announced her retirement from competitive swimming at the age of 29. The mid-distance specialist cites her ongoing hip injury as the primary reason for her decision, conveying in her Facebook announcement that she is ‘no longer in top physical form’ and is ‘unable to compete to her own standards.’
Boyle won 2 silver medals at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan in the women’s 800m and 1500m freestyle events, but was unable to final in either the 400m or 800m events at the 2016 Olympic Games. The Auckland native then opted out of her nation’s qualification trials for Budapest due to her hip injury that had been nagging the Kiwi since pre-Rio. She subsequently withdrew herself from this year’s World Championships meet having ultimately undergone surgery for the ailment in late April.
Per her announcement, Boyle said her decision ‘was very hard’, but she has ‘a lot to celebrate.’ In addition to her medals in Kazan, Boyle was also a 3-time medalist at the 2014 Pan Pacific Games and earned a gold medal in the women’s 400m freestyle at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
You can hear from Boyle herself in the post below:
Sorry to hear about your retirement Ms Boyle. However I am glad in that it gives me the chance to congratulate you on flying the NZ flag with distinction on the big occasion!! Black hats off to you!!
Congrats on a great career! Best of luck with your future endeavors
Wishing you the best, Lauren! Was a great honor to watch you swim, to share in your excitement, and to revel in your accomplishments. You’re a true gem! Have fun in this next part of your journey!