Maggie Mac Neil, the celebrated Canadian Olympic swimmer, has officially announced her retirement from competitive swimming at the age of 24. This decision comes after an illustrious career marked by significant achievements, including her gold medal victory in the women's 100m butterfly at the Tokyo Olympics. Representing Canada at two consecutive Olympic Games and accumulating a total of three Olympic medals and eight world championships, Mac Neil's contributions to the sport are undeniable. Her announcement reflects both gratitude for her experiences and a desire to explore new opportunities beyond athletics.
Mac Neil, who completed her master's degree in sport management at Louisiana State University this year and wants to attend law school, had originally planned to leave competitive swimming after Tokyo but felt she missed out on swimming opportunities during the pandemic and opted to extend her career.
Mac Neil told CBC Sports last February. "I've accomplished more than I ever wanted in swimming and by doing that, I would be happy if I retired now."
Two months later at the Canadian Open in Toronto, Mac Neil said she wasn't leaving competitive swimming anytime soon.
Born in China, Mac Neil’s adoptive parents wanted her to take swimming lessons for safety reasons because of the family’s backyard pool.
Mac Neil’s 2017 diagnosis of sport-induced asthma — which can be triggered by the swimming staples of heat and chlorine — forced a switch from longer distances to sprints.
Mac Neil became Canada’s first world champion in the women’s 100-meter butterfly two years later.
Torri Huske knocked off world-record holder Gretchen Walsh for gold — 55.59 seconds to 55.63 — using a strong finish to get her hands to the wall just ahead of her teammate in a 1-2 finish for the United States.
"It's hard enough to do once and to do it again is even harder," Mac Neil told The Canadian Press after the race. "The last couple of months, I've been really telling myself that I have nothing to prove to anyone — myself or anyone else."
Mac Neil's unique presence in the pool was often characterized by her iconic squint during competitions, which became emblematic of her determination . Despite previously expressing intentions to continue competing post-Paris Olympics, she ultimately chose to retire, signifying a poignant transition in her life. As she steps away from professional swimming, Mac Neil leaves behind a legacy that inspires future generations of athletes while embracing new horizons beyond the confines of competitive sports.
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