Korean swimming star Park Tae Hwan has announced that he will no longer be swimming at the Asian Games later this summer, just two days after being named to the roster.
The 28-year-old explained his decision to Reuters, stating,
“I’ve realized that I am in no shape to post good records. Rather than saying I am retiring, I’d like to take some time to think about my future.”
Park’s career has been full of ups and downs. He made his international debut in 2006 at the Asian Games, winning gold in the 200, 400, and 1500 freestyle, as well as MVP for the meet. He added an Olympic gold medal to his name in 2008, courtesy of the 400 freestyle, before adding more Asian Games medals in 2010.
In 2014, Park raced to a stunning five medals at the Asian Games in Incheon, however, his medals and results were swept aside when he failed a drug test in 2015. His suspension kept him out of the 2015 World Championships and almost out of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Since then, Park has slowly been working his way back to the top. He won a trio of gold medals at the short course World Championships in 2016 and finished fourth in his signature 400 free at the long course World Championships in 2017.
The Asian Games are set to be held August 18 – September 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
