Team GB history-maker Dearing retires from swimming – 'My journey doesn't stop here'

Alice Dearing, Britain’s first Black feminine Olympic swimmer, has introduced her retirement a day in need of her twenty seventh birthday.

The marathon specialist represented Crew GB at Tokyo 2020, ending nineteenth, however didn’t qualify for Paris 2024.

Dearing has been a trailblazer in her sport, co-founding the Black Swimming Affiliation and beforehand successful the Changemaker Award on the Sunday Occasions Sportswomen of the 12 months Awards.

She has not competed since she was unable to complete a 10km race on the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup in Portugal in early December, and Dearing has confirmed that was when she determined to name it a day.

“From the little woman who was too scared to leap within the pool to the girl who stood on the shores of lakes and oceans all over the world swimming for her nation,” she mentioned on X.

“I’ve come a good distance and I am happy with the swimmer I turned, however even prouder of the girl I’m.”

Dearing says she feels happy with “serving to make historical past for black folks in Britain” by proving swimming is for everybody, and says she achieved a childhood dream by competing on the Olympics after believing she “didn’t have the expertise.”

“[I] simply knew that my time was finished within the sport. LA [2028 Olympics] felt like a mountain to climb and I knew I didn’t have that in me.

“I took the choice on the day to name it there, and I’ve taken the final 4 months to get my stuff collectively, perceive what I need to transfer into, and luxuriate in not being an elite athlete – and I’m actually having fun with it.

“I need to preserve empowering folks to find swimming in their very own means, I’ve been dipping my toes into the esports area. Sport is such a key a part of my life, swimming has given every part.”

She retires as a former world junior gold medallist, having gained the 10km occasion within the Netherlands in 2016.

In her social media submit, she added: “Thanks to all the individuals who have raised me up over this journey. Too lots of you to call. It actually has taken a village.

“It has been enjoyable. I might do all of it once more in a heartbeat. However my journey does not cease right here.”