Megan Kingsley has dealt with a lot of ups and downs during her career, and not just in her races.
The former Georgia standout has had some tremendous moments in the pool, with unexpected best swims and inspiring comebacks after injury. She has been through severe knee injuries, a car hitting her and balancing swimming with her post-grad career.
But that balancing act will be a little easier for Kingsley now. She announced her retirement from competitive swimming today on social media.
It was an emotional day as Kingsley’s career has spanned so many years.
“My senior year I won the superlative “Most Likely To Go Pro” and I’m beyond proud of myself for accomplishing that. I was able to swim on a pro swim team, travel to a new country, made incredible new friends, and irreplaceable memories while qualifying for Olympic Trials 3 times and making semi-finals. On top of that, I went best times when surgeons told me I’d never be able to compete at an elite level ever again. So I am sad, yet proud, to say I’m officially retiring from my professional swimming career,” Megan Kingsley posted.
After finishing her college career at Georgia as an All-American, she felt like she still had more fast swimming in her and, despite the knee issues, continued after graduation.
All of the years of work paid off when she swam all best times at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Richmond in 2019.
“I went all best times at Richmond. It has been six years since I went that fast in the IM,” she said.
Kingsley swam a 4:48.87 in the 400 IM, a 59.82 in the 100 fly, a 2:10.25 in the 200 fly and a 27.65 in the 50 fly.
“It meant a lot. I had a ton of personal victories. I have enjoyed swimming a lot more,” Megan Kingsley said. “I didn’t have super high expectations, but I just went out and raced. I proved to myself that I could be faster. It was fun enjoying swimming, and my parents were there. I think they were happier for me than I was. The biggest thing for me is that I didn’t quit.”
She didn’t want something to force her to quit. She wanted to leave the sport on her own terms, which after a second big comeback, she was able to do.
“Thank you to those who did believe in me, who pushed me, and supported me in a cool season of life. I accomplished more than I could’ve dreamed of, and my people know that. Thank you to UGA, my coaches, my pro teammates, and my Georgia teammates for sharing his experience with me,” Megan Kingsley wrote. “As Elizabeth Beisel told me, it’s time to find a new dream to chase. God has so much in store for this next season of my life as I am moving and marrying my best friend this fall. Time to start a new chapter!! Please comment happy thoughts & memories below so I can cherish them forever ?✨ @ Athens, Georgia.”
Go Dawgs !
One incredible lady and role model ❤️