(Video Interview) Tyler Clary Walks Away With His Head Held High

Photo Courtesy: Joao Marc Bosch

Editorial Coverage provided by

Tyler Clary, who won gold in the men’s 200 backstroke in London, will not get the chance to defend his title in Rio. He finished third in 1:55.33.

Clary officially announced his retirement from professional swimming after his race.

“It’s been a great time as a professional swimmer,” he said to the media. “I’m looking forward to turning a page in the book of my life and starting a new chapter.”

Clary swam collegiately at the University of Michigan where he was a three-time NCAA champion. In 2009, he was named the NCAA Swimmer of the Year.

He broke onto the international stage in 2009 at Worlds when he finished second in the 400 IM to Ryan Lochte.

Clary represented Team USA in the 200 fly and the 200 back in London. He finished fifth overall in the 200 fly, and won his first Olympic gold in the 200 back 1:53.41, setting a new Olympic record.

“That’s the best time I’ve had in quite awhile,” he said after tonight’s race. “I felt like I could walk away with my head held high after something like that, and I feel like I’ve accomplished that here.”

He told the media that his first priority is to go see his family and thank them for sharing the journey and this experience with him.

Full Interview:

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

1 Comment

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Sara

8 years ago

Sad that he is retiring, but if he feels like this is the right time for him to do so, then I wish him all the best. He has been a fun swimmer to watch over the years. I’ll miss him seeing him in the pool.