Cate Campbell will try to become the first Australian swimmer to compete in five Olympics, after announcing that she intends to participate in Paris 2024.
Cate Campbell was unsure of her future after the successful Olympics in Tokyo 2022, where she won bronze in the 100m freestyle and two gold medals in relays but is now ready to fight for a record fifth appearance in Paris.
Part of that will be a long break from competitive swimming, including this year’s British Community Games in August.
Instead, Cate Campbell and her partner will embark on a six-month trip to Europe, something she believes will revive her passion for swimming.
“When I came back from Tokyo, it was not clear to me that I had finished swimming. I wanted to take some time and talk to a few retired athletes about this idea. People say you just know when the time is … and I didn’t feel I knew”, said Cate Campbell. “I knew I needed a really great rest, both physically and mentally. I was not as disappointed or heartbroken as in 2016. It was difficult to get to Tokyo. I think I was just tormented by what could it be. The struggle of the extra year hindered me and probably took away some of the joy of swimming. I just don’t feel ready to close the page, but this is not something I want to dive into right away”, added she.
So far, only the legendary Michael Phelps and Federica Pellegrini, who dropped out last year, have competed in five swimming competitions.
