Laura Stephens of Great Britain has announced her decision to retire from competitive swimming at the age of 26.
Stephens of Loughborough revealed the update via social media this week.
“Swimming. It’s time for me to step away from this wonderful sport that has taken me on the journey of a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who managed to hang on to this crazy rollercoaster with me, at the start, middle and end your support has meant more than I can put into words. Thank you to my family for your patience and love, and to my friends and teammates for your limitless belief and support ❤️ Endless thanks to my sponsor @arenawaterinstinctuk and all the staff @aquatics_gb the team always in my corner. My coaches Katie (Harwich SC) Michelle (Colchester SC) Robin @plymouthleander and Dave @loughborough_pc your lessons in perseverance, resilience and commitment have shaped the person I am today, thank you. And to my 9 year old self who couldn’t swim breaststroke to save her life…
Well, we still can’t xx”
Stephens represented Great Britain at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The latter saw the former Plymouth Leander ace make the final in her signature 200m butterfly, placing 8th overall.
Prior to that outing, Stephens became world champion in the 2fly event, topping the podium at the 2024 World Championshps in Doha.
Additional accolades include a European Championships gold medal in the women’s medley relay from 2020 and a 200m fly silver and medley relay bronze from the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
She retires as Great Britain’s 4th-fastest 200m fly performer in history, owning a lifetime best of 2:06.62 from the 2023 Aquatics GB Championships. Stephens will indeed leave a hole in the British arsenal in the women’s 200m fly, although Keanna MacInnes has been making strides as of late.
MacInnes, the Scottish national record holder, ripped a lifetime best of 2:06.93 at the AP Race International London this past May and took the national title at this year’s Aquatics GB Championships. In Singapore, MacInnes placed 16th out of the semi-finals.
Another racer who can fill the void is 24-year-old Emily Richards (nee Large). Richards placed 7th in the 200m fly this year in Singapore and is GBR’s 7th-best performer of all time.
Another Dave Hemmings masterclass!
Well done Laura – you have been a star
Congratulations to Laura on her retirement from swimming.A tough, intelligent, reliable performer for Team GB- double Olympian, World Champion🤩
Laura is a great swimmer and a nice person!
Will the person who reacted with a minus to my comment please identify themselves. I would love to know why you reacted negatively to Laura being described as a great swimmer and a nice person.
Ah, no person wishes to reveal their identity, perhaps hiding under a starting block?
You’re going to twist yourselves into knots getting upset over a handful of downvotes on this site. You see them on almost every comment, even ones that aren’t remotely objectionable like yours.
Often times it’s as simple as someone hitting the minus button accidentally while scrolling.
Sure!
Anyone who wins a 200 fly world title is entitled to immediate retirement if so desired. Jokes aside, congrats to Laura on a stellar career!
I forgot she won in Doha