Olympian and NCAA Champion Felix Auböck Announces Retirement
Olympian and NCAA champion Felix Auböck has announced his retirement from competitive swimming.
The 28-year-old Austrian was a European and World Champion and finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics in the 400 freestyle.
“I have decided to retire from competitive swimming,” Felix Auböck posted. “It is almost impossible to put into words what this sport has meant to me. Swimming shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it gave me, travelling the world, living in Austria to Germany to the US and the UK, and building lifelong friendships with truly special people across the globe.
“To all my coaches from the beginning to the end: Alex, Mr. Zenov, Paul, Walter, Miro, Lasse, Reni, Josh, Andi, Mike, Balazs, Richi, and Asterios – THANK YOU.”
Auböck studied in the U.S. at the University of Michigan and won an emotional NCAA championship in the 1650 free. He then went on to study at Loughborough in the UK.
He is an athlete representative for the Austrian Olympic Committee and hopes to remain involved in the sport.
“As a kid, I dreamed of swimming at the Olympic Games. I feel incredibly proud to have lived that dream not once, but three times, reaching three Olympic finals. The highlights of my sporting career, World and European Championship gold medals, came at moments when I needed them the most,” Felix Auböck said. “There are too many people to name individually, but to my family: you never questioned the early mornings or countless weekends spent at swimming pools. Your unconditional support means everything.
“I am excited for the next chapter of my life. One thing I know for certain: I will always remain connected to this sport in one way or another.”