PHOENIX, Arizona, August 19. TRENT Grimsey, who made a name as one of the top open water swimmers in the world, announced his retirement today.
“Today I am officially announcing my retirement from professional marathon swimming,” Grimsey said in a statement. “Over the past eight years I have been fortunate enough to travel the world competing in the sport I love. I have met some amazing people and made friends that I’ll have for life. I have absolutely no regrets.”
Grimsey leaves a distinguished career that includes a world record as the fastest swimmer across the English Channel. On September 2012, the Australian swam from Dover to Calais in six hours and 55 minutes, beating Petar Stoychev’s record by two minutes in his first Channel crossing. Grimsey said in an interview on “The Morning Swim Show” that he planned to make a double crossing.
“Morning Swim Show” interview:
Grimsey started his elite career in the pool as one of the country’s top distance swimmers. After missing out on the Olympic roster in the 1500 freestyle in 2008, placing third, Grimsey turned to the open water in the same year that the Olympic 10K was making his debut.
One year after making the move to open water, Grimsey won the silver medal in the 25-kilometer swim at the world championships and was second at the RCP Tiburon Mile. He would continue to place high in races on FINA’s open water circuit, was named “King of the Sea” in 2011 and was named Grand Prix champion in 2012.
Grimsey’s next chapter will be running Grimsey’s Adult SwimFit, which will help educate people in open water swimming. He’ll take on the new venture with his brother Codie, who also was a top open water swimmer.
“I’m really excited about starting this new chapter in my life,” Grimsey said. “I had a great run. Thanks for the memories.”