Olympic gold medalist Zach Apple announced his retirement from competitive swimming on Friday.
Apple, the former Auburn and University of Indiana star and two-time Olympic gold medalist made the announcement on social media.
“Swimming has been a huge part of my life for a while now but the time has come to step away competitively. I am so thankful for everything that swimming has given me. From the relationships I’ve built to the places I’ve been able to visit to the experiences I’ve been able to have it’s all been a dream,” Zach Apple wrote on Instagram. “I can’t say thank you to everyone who contributed here but I will shout out a few. My parents first and foremost are the reason I’m here. Their unconditional love and support throughout my whole career has been unrivaled and given me the confidence and comfort to chase my dreams. My coaches and teammates, of which there have been many of both, are what get you through the daily grind. Knowing that the people around you day to day want to make you better is inspiring and a crucial piece to the puzzle. Finally to my girlfriend. She’s been a rock through the ups and downs that I can lean on. I’m sure I’ve left out many thanks and I apologize.
“Swimming to me is an all or nothing sport and I found myself not wanting to give my all anymore and that’s why I’ve decided to step away. I love this sport and want to be around it for as long as it’ll have me.”
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Apple won gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics in the 400 free relay and 400 medley relay. He was also part of the fourth-place 800 free relay, swimming all three relays for the U.S. in Tokyo. He also earned three gold medals, one silver and one bronze during his career at the World Championships. Apple was a YMCA national champion and an NCAA relay champion. He finished his college career as a 17-time All-American.