Two-time Olympic gold medallist Jess Schipper has formally retired from competitive swimming.
The 27-year-old butterfly specialist, who was part of Australia’s gold-winning 4x100m medley relay teams at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, had initially taken a break after the 2012 London Games and has since had her first child.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wonderful husband Brett and my son Robbie,” Schipper said.
“I’m leaving the sport with some amazing friends and memories.
“I’m looking forward to spending more quality time with my family and starting my new job at Swimming Queensland.”
Schipper leaves the sport still holding the Australian and Commonwealth records for both the 100m and 200m butterfly, and ranked No.1 on the Australian all-time top 10 for both the 100 and 200m butterfly.
Schipper also competed at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and 2010, and five world championships between 2003 and 2011.
She won gold in the 100m butterfly and 4x100m medley relay at the 2005 world titles, gold in the 200m butterfly and 4x100m medley relay in 2007 and gold in the 200m butterfly two years later, setting a new world record in the process.
“Jess’s performances and success across three Olympics and the Commonwealth Games with multiple gold medals and world records demonstrate her quality as both an athlete and competitor,” Swimming Australia CEO Mark Anderson said.
“In addition to her many achievements in the pool, Jess will be remembered by all Australians as a great ambassador for our sport and our country.”
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