Cate Campbell, Aussie Sprint Great, Not Ruling Out Run At 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
Already a four-time Olympian with eight medals to her name, Australia’s Cate Campbell could walk away from the sport with a rich legacy. But the 29-year-old sprinter, and longtime relay stalwart, has not ruled out the possibility of pushing forward to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
While in quarantine after returning to Australia from the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Campbell spoke to the media about her next moves. There is an immediate plan for time away from the pool, a move Campbell made after the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Beyond that upcoming period of rejuvenation, Campbell intends on sorting out the next steps on her timeline.
“To be honest, I haven’t made any plans,” Campbell said. “I’m just going to sit back and enjoy this moment for what it is.”
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At the Tokyo Games, Campbell added three medals to her collection. In addition to helping Australia to titles in the 400 freestyle relay (world record) and 400 medley relay, Campbell claimed the bronze medal in the 100 freestyle, which was won by countrywoman Emma McKeon. Campbell also finished seventh in the 50 freestyle.
Although the veteran, who was Australia’s flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony, has not made any definitive decisions regarding her competitive future, she acknowledged that there may be more to do in the water.
“I don’t feel like I’m completely done with the pool or done with the sport,” Campbell said. “There’s no point in saying this is definitely the time to walk away, but I definitely need a little bit of a different stimulus for a while.”