Lotte Friis announced her retirement from competitive swimming Tuesday morning.
In an Instagram post the three-time Danish Olympian wrote,
“Time to say goodbye. Today I’ve announced my retirement from swimming. I’m saying goodbye to a sport that has meant the world to me. It’s giving me a career, great experience and friends all over the world. It’s definitely not been an easy decision for me but I know it’s the right one. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me throughout my career. Without all of you I wouldn’t had gotten as far as I did”
Friis made her Olympic debut in 2008. At the Beijing Games, the then-20-year-old picked up a bronze medal in the 800 freestyle. Her success continued in 2009 when she won the World title in the 800 free and picked up a silver in the 1500. Later that year, she set the 1500 freestyle short course meters world record, and she followed up that success with another gold (1500 free) and another silver (800 free) at the World Champs in 2011.
After failing to medal in London in 2012, touching fourth in the 400 and fifth in the 800, Friis rebounded at the 2013 World Championships, where she won two silver medals behind Katie Ledecky in the 800 and 1500. In the 1500, she broke the existing world record by four seconds, only to lose out at the end as Ledecky set the first world record of her career.
During her preparation for her final Olympics, Friis moved to North Baltimore where she trained under Bob Bowman. She remained in Baltimore training under Erik Posegay after Bowman moved to Arizona.
Friis last competed in Rio, where she finished seventh in the final of the 800 free.
Looking forward to see her become triathlon world champ.
Jen Enos, I guess we should throw Elliot a retirement party
Yes!!!
Best wishes!!!!
Tak for en inspirerende karriere. Nyde dit otium!
Always sad to see the greats retire but we believe there is something better on the cards!