Two-times British Olympian and current British butterfly record holder Michael Rock has announced his retirement from competitive international swimming, although he will still remain in the sport, helping to mentor the next generation of swimming stars.
Rock made his senior international long course debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics games, competing in both the 100m and 200m butterfly, before setting the current British records over both distances at the 2009 World Championships in Rome.
A silver medallist in the 200m butterfly at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, he qualified to compete in the 100m butterfly in London 2012 and narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth with the men’s 4x100m medley relay team.
The former Stockport ITC swimmer has been one of Great Britain’s most consistent butterfly swimmers in recent years, winning the 100m title at every British Championships since 2008.
But with plans to train as a solicitor, the 26-year-old will no longer take part in individual international competitions, instead helping mentor and develop younger swimmers at the City of Liverpool Swimming Club.
“I've had a fantastic time in the sport of swimming and am proud to have represented my country at the very highest level, especially at two Olympic Games,” he said.
“So many people have made a positive contribution to my success but in particular I would like to thank everyone from the City of Liverpool Swimming Club and Stockport Metro Swimming Club as both clubs have really supported me throughout my career and helped me to achieve my dreams.
“Although I will be focusing on the next exciting chapter of my life as a trainee solicitor, I will still be involved with swimming through a youth mentoring and development programme at the City of Liverpool SC which I’m really looking forward to.”