Three-time Olympic champion Katinka Hosszu of Hungary, one of the greatest swimmers of all time, has announced her retirement.
Known as the “Iron Lady” of swimming for her grueling repertoire of competitions, Hosszu, 35, has competed in five Olympics. She was only 15 years old when she made her Olympic debut in Athens in 2004.
Hosszu won three individual gold medals in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 in the 100-meter backstroke, as well as her signature races in the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley. She added a silver medal in the 200 m backstroke to her achievements.
She has also won nine individual long course pool world titles since 2009 and still holds the world record in the 200 long course individual medley. She won 17 gold medals in the short course world championships.
“For thirty years, water has been my home, a sanctuary where I found solace and strength,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“From the moment I first set foot in the pool as a child, I knew I had discovered something magical. The cool embrace of the water was like coming home, to a place where gravity ceased to exist and each movement brought me closer to my dreams.
“Now, when I look back on my career, I feel extremely fulfilled. Medals and records are valuable, but what remains most profound is my undying love for swimming.
