Four-time European champion Georgia Davies has confirmed her retirement from swimming after a career that featured two Olympic Games and a quartet of World Championship appearances.
Backstroke specialist Davies won at least three medals at each of the three European Championships she attended, the pinnacle coming in Glasgow in 2018 when she sprinted to the 50 back title, as well as helping Britain’s mixed 4x100m medley relay to gold. There was also silver in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the women’s medley relay.
On the World Championship stage, Davies was a regular finalist in the 50m backstroke and finished fourth on her last global outing in Gwangju in 2019.
The championships in South Kora did, though, bring a maiden world medal as she swam the backstroke leg as Britain won bronze in the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
There was also semi-final appearances in consecutive Olympics at London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Davies was a crucial member of Team Wales at three Commonwealth Games, the highlight coming with 50 back gold at Glasgow 2014 where she also won 100 silver.
The 31-year-old also won three bronze medals at Delhi 2010 and Gold Coast 2018.
Photo Courtesy: Mine Kasapoglu / ISL
On her decision to hang up the goggles and race suit, Davies said through British Swimming:
“As a young swimmer, I was always so competitive and determined – but I don’t think I could ever have imagined at that time that I would go on to represent Wales and Great Britain over 15 years, and win multiple international medals along the way.
“I’m so proud that I got to hear both the Welsh and British anthems play on the podium, as well as representing my country at a home Olympics. Those are truly special moments that not everyone gets to experience, and I feel so fortunate.
“Although swimming is mostly an individual sport, it’s impossible to do it alone. I think that the reason I’ve been able to have such a long career is down to how much I’ve enjoyed the journey with my teammates and friends.
“It’s also testament to the level of support I’ve had all along, from my family and from some amazing coaches and support staff. I just want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped me in some way, big or small.”
“Georgia has been an outstanding team member for British Swimming over the past decade, consistently playing her part in medal-winning relays and securing fine individual honours at every European Championship meet she competed in.
“On top of the medals at World, European and Commonwealth level, she will forever be a double Olympian – including featuring at a home Games in London 2012 – and she also held a European record in the 50m backstroke.
“We hope she reflects with pride on everything she achieved for British Swimming, and we wish her all the best for the future.”