Life as 'a fish out of water' beckons for Jazz Carlin - the two-time Olympic silver medallist is ready to dive headfirst into life after swimming.
The 28-year-old has announced her retirement having made an irrefutable splash during a career spanning 14 years, with Carlin having clinched World, European and Commonwealth medals, as well as 400m and 800m freestyle silver at Rio 2016.
Not wanting to push for selection for Tokyo 2020 unable to operate at anything less than full tilt, the Swindon native, who also shone in Wales’ colours – not least when winning 800m gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Delhi – feels the time is right to pen the next chapter of her life.court
“You sometimes get so caught up in ‘what’s coming up next, what am I aiming for?’ that you sort of forget about the little things and the experiences, and moments that you’ve had,” said Carlin.
“I think a lot of people would be like: ‘why now, why a year-and-a-half out from the Olympics?’ but after a few struggles with injury and illness, it just feels like the right time to step away and start onto new things.
“I wouldn’t say, in the past year, I could say that I’m 100 per cent healthy. I know deep down that I wouldn’t be in the best physical shape heading into Tokyo.
“I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever dreamed of in the sport, so now feels like the right time to step away and enjoy new experiences.”
Retirement naturally brings reflection, with Carlin able to not only contemplate the 13 major international medals she accrued in the pool.
There are also the moments that were only made possible by her standing as an international athlete – going onto the pitch of her beloved Manchester United to show off her Olympic medals during a Premier League game back in 2016 stands out unequivocally.
Carlin will cherish all of those memories as she rides off into the sunset.
She said: “Through sport and swimming, I’ve been able to travel the world and see so many different cultures, and meet so many amazing people.
“It’s also given me the highs and amazing things, like going onto the pitch at Old Trafford at half-time.
“Winning the two medals at the Olympics is kind of the pinnacle of my career but there were so many stepping stones along the way that got me there.
“I’ve had so many special memories representing Team GB and Wales as well that I will remember.
“For me, I’ve found that my passion has been in getting more people in the water, more people swimming. I’ve done my (Level 2) coaching badges.
“I want to get more people safe and competent in the water, so I’m really looking forward to helping people along their swimming journeys, whether it’s learning to swim or helping them achieve their dreams.
“I’m going to be working with Swim Wales in an athlete mentor role, so it’s really exciting.”
Carlin will, of course, also now have the time chance her arm at new sports – and she may just be coming to a court near you in the near future.
“A few weeks ago, I went out on a road bike for the first time ever. It’s only taken me 28 years and I’m finally out and trying new things!,” she said.
“I want to even join a local netball team, just to do something that I used to love when I was younger.
“I’m nowhere near as good as netball as I am at swimming – I’m definitely like a fish out of water!”
Sportsbeat 2019