Ricky Berens, 3-time Olympic medalist, has officially retired.
Berens has experienced it all as a swimmer. In his early years, age 14, he broke Michael Phelps’ butterfly record, a moment that kick-started his confidence and set him on the path to being a world-class swimmer. He’s been an NCAA Champion, Â American record holder, World Champion, World recorder holder and an Olympic Champion.
Berens has two Olympic gold medals, both in the 4×200 freestyle from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. He also has a third Olympic medal, a silver, as a part of the men’s 4×100 freestyle relay at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Berens retired briefly after the London Olympic Games, then, seven weeks later, returned to competition. Berens had a little more to accomplish in the pool, which he did at the  2013 American Short Course Championships, breaking the American record in the 200 yard free, clocking a swift 1:31.31.
Last summer Berens swam his final international competition and won his final gold medal at the 2013 FINA World Championships in Barcelona. Â With Conor Dwyer, Ryan Lochte and Charlie Houchin, Berens’ team won the 4×200 free relay.
Berens is a very visible Olympic Ambassador, represented by the sports management company Octagon.
Follow Ricky Berens on Twitter here.Â
Like Ricky Berens on Facebook here.Â
Go here to see Ricky Berens’ HQ here.Â
This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host, Gold Medal Mel Stewart, is a 3-time Olympic medalist and co-founder of swimswam.com.
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He is a owner of the best freestyle technique ever!
sad to see him go. He’s been a staple on our relays…I think he’s going back to school next year…but perhaps he’ll come back and do one more olympics on the 4×200. He’s only 25…very young, especially for male swimmers. There aren’t THAT many people on the 4×200…Lochte and Dwyer are definites…and if Phelps comes back, that leaves one more spot…definitely open to Matt Mclean or Berens (or Jaeger…)
But since he’s pretty sure he’s done…wish he went to golden goggles for one last hurrah…
(have always wondered if he and rebecca broke up…given that he moved back to texas…but of course that’s none of our business lol)
I agree., it feels too soon at only 25…So, the “Official Ricky Beren’s 2016 Rio Relay Comeback Watch” officially starts… NOW! Get Eve and Candace on it, they’ll be all over it. I read somewhere online a couple months ago that Berens and Soni broke up amicably, I don’t think it’s any big secret or anything.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/05/09/4033540/retirement-wasnt-berens-cup-of.html#.Upfn2yixaRI
I just googled it. How did I not see this months ago…lol. Really hope Soni can come back…would love to see her grab that world record back….
(and to continue the gossip…really hope they get back together 🙂
Thanks Ricky for your amazing freestyle stroke ! I always loved it and tried to practice it as well . Thanks for the divine relays with Team Usa and the last one this Summer in Barcelona . A true gentleman and a class act
Happy to see you again on swimswam, Jean-Michel.
You come back at the right moment. Next week is the start of a great swimming month with national championships, European championships, Duel in the Pool, etc.
Plenty of big performances to come! 😎
Thanks BoBo . I was also very tired to watch and follow swimming after The Us trials + WC in Barcelona . A Big break was necessary . Happy to hear u are in great shape . Best wishes from India where i work right now and happy thanksgiving .
so was Gold Medal Mel being provocative when he said Janet Evans was the greatest swimmer of all time?
Did Ricky and Rebecca Soni part ways?
yes they split up
He is a handsome guy. He can do better.
Ricky is a classy, funny and talented guy. Swimming will miss him
Great career Ricky! Lots to be a proud of, a class act, and great ambassador for USA Swimming! The best for whatever is next.