Four-Time Olympian Michelle Coleman Brings Career To A Close
Michelle Coleman has brought her competitive swimming journey to a close after a career that spanned four Olympics, world and European medals and a short-course WR.
The 31-year-old won her first senior international medal with silver in the 4x100m free at the European Championships in May 2012 before going on to make her Olympic debut at London 2012 where the Swedish quartet were DQd in the 4×100 free final.
She finished seventh in the 200 free at Rio 2016 as well as claiming fifth places with the Swedish 4×1 and 4x2oo free relays. Five years later in Tokyo, Coleman led off the women’s medley relay that came fifth and was sixth with the 4×1. At her fourth and final Games in Paris last year, Coleman finished fifth in the 4×100 free and reached the semis of the 100 free.
She won two silvers at the World Championships (long-course) in the women’s medley relay at Kazan 2015 and Doha 2024, the latter months before she competed at her final Games.
Coleman also anchored the Swedish 4x50m medley relay to gold at the 2021 short-course worlds where their time of 1:42.38 matched the WR set by the USA at the 2018 edition. That was one of two golds and four overall medals for Coleman in Abu Dhabi.
She posted to social media, saying:
“Well here it comes, a final thank you for all the memories, love, support, friendships, the whole journey that has been professional swimming.
“I have decided to retire for competitive swimming. A decision that has come with more certainty than I ever thought. It wasn’t the plan, but like always in life, things don’t always pan out the way you thought.
“I look back on my career with pride and indescribable JOY of everything I’ve experienced. Being a professional athlete is really hard and challenging at times, but it is a true privilege more than everything.
“I’ve lived my dream, and worked with what has been my hobby the past 15 years, and I’m so greatful for it. I’ve traveled the world and met people that are incredibly close to my heart. Sport is truly amazing in that way.
“So thank you to everyone that’s been part of this journey and have supported me, it means heaps!
“The journey of following dreams continues, but for now not in the sport of swimming.
“
Love, Micha”
Sarah Sjöström shared many rostrums and championship trips with Coleman to whom she paid tribute on social media.
Sjöström – who is expecting her first baby with husband Johan de Jong Skierus in August – said:
“#tb photobomb with @michellecoleman 
“Today marks the end of an era as my partner in crime, @michellecoleman, announces her retirement from swimming.
“From early morning practices to unforgettable race moments, from shared victories to the toughest setbacks, we’ve been through it all together. I couldn’t be prouder of you, not just for everything you’ve achieved in the pool, but for the incredible person you are outside of it.
“Cheers to the beginning of another exciting chapter in your life.”
(@sarahsjostrom)