December 16, 2014 – German individual medley specialist, Markus Deibler, has announced his retirement from the sport of swimming. In his words reflected on his personal Facebook page, “I have decided, after much deliberation, to end my career in competitive sports.”
News that the 24-year-old has decided to hang up his goggles comes as a surprise to some, as Deibler most recently clocked a new world record in the men’s 100m IM at the Short Course World Championships in Doha, touching out the likes of Vladimir Morozov and Ryan Lochte in the process.
A staple on German relays as well, Deibler previously competed in both the 2008 and the 2012 Olympics, the latter in which he earned sixth place in the men’s 4 x 100m freestyle/medley relays, and eighth in the 200m IM.
Deibler’s full retirement announcement is below (translated into English), in which he alludes to his future plans involving the successful ice cream shop he co-owns with Luisa Mentele.
“I decided to resign after careful consideration to end my career in competitive sports. Swimming is a great sport, I’ve done it ever since I can remember and have swum in my life far beyond 10,000 km. It was a great time, I was able to make beautiful experiences and look back on a successful career. Now, it’s time to tackle new projects for me. I want to use my skills as an entrepreneur to be successful with Luicella’s.
I thank all those who have supported me over the years and allows me to participate in the sport. Above all Petra Wolfram, for more than five years as my mental coach, trainer and companion. I was able to spend a lot of time with Ulrich Oldehaver. You both have a substantial stake inmy last and biggest success, the world championship and world record 100 m individual medley.
Also a big thanks goes to my two main sponsors, the last few years have given me the possibility to concentrate on the sport: Kreissparkasse Biberach and HEAD. Thank you.”
He wasn’t anyway a Big LC champion !
but he was just beginning to rise…
Yes, but he probably worked just as hard as big LC champion. Let’s face it, the rewards in swimming are so meagre that a SC world champion and world record holder(admitedly 100IM !) quits to focus on his ice-cream business. I wish him well. unless you are Michael Phelps the GOAT, Lochte the semi-GOAT or Chad/Katinka the World Cup money spinner, there is very little on offer. Good luck Markus.
Didn’t see that coming. Breakthrough swim, drop the mic and walk away.
Also,
Sponsor #1: Kreissparkasse Biberach
Sponsor #2: HEAD.
The German language is a wonder.
lol, this announcement smells of Google translate from a mile away 😀