Three-time Olympian Halsall announces swimming retirement

Southport-born Halsall has been a mainstay of the British swimming scene for the past decade, collecting over 30 medals at World, European and Commonwealth level.

She also appeared at three Olympic Games – Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 – finishing just one place shy of an individual medal at the latter when she placed fourth in the 50m freestyle.

Writing on Twitter, the ten-time European and three-time Commonwealth Champion said: "Announcing my retirement from swimming is a weird concept to me as I've never seen it as a career or job. Just as a hobby that I've loved doing and happened to be ok at.

"However I've done it for over a decade and there are so many people who have committed time, money, wisdom and knowledge into my journey that I will forever be thankful for.

"Stepping away from the pool is quite a scary decision for someone who's whole adult life to date has revolved around swim, weights, diet, peeing in a pot while someone watches, outdoor swim camps (yay) and lots of napping.

"I am very much looking forward to the next chapter of my life.

"I will miss my daily naps and choosing to do sets backstroke while training outdoors just to get an even tan. It's time to close this chapter of my life and move on to the next.

"Swimming has taught me so much and given me the opportunities that no other career could.

"So for me this is just a thank you note to everyone who has supported me for being part of a fantastic set of memories."

Halsall made her international debut for England at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, making an instant impact with double relay silver before also winning European gold as part of the 4x100m medley relay.

Her Olympic debut came in 2008 where she reached the 100m freestyle final, while 2010 brought international acclaim for Halsall with ten medals across the European Championships and Commonwealth Games.

She returned from injury to reach the finals of both the 50m and 100m freestyle finals at her home Olympic Games in 2012 while a year later added her second World Championship medal with 50m freestyle bronze in Barcelona.

Four Commonwealth medals and five European medals were forthcoming in 2014 while in 2015, Halsall finally landed a World title as part of the 4x100m mixed relay team before adding a further three European titles in the run up to Rio 2016.

British Swimming Head Coach Bill Furniss said: "Francesca has been a key part of the British team since her debut and has seen her skill and dedication rewarded with medals at almost every level of the sport.

"To have a career at the top of her sport for a decade is something she should be proud of. From myself and everyone at British Swimming I would like to wish her well for her future endeavours."

Sportsbeat 2017