Southport’s Fran Halsall has announced her retirement from the sport

Fran Halsall has announced her retirement from the sport.

The 26 year old, who has bagged thirteen gold medals throughout her career – including three in the Commonwealth Games – will now pursue other interests, according to a statement she posted to social media on Monday (January 16)

Fran now wants to encourage more people to take up swimming She said:

“Announcing my retirement from swimming is a weird concept for me as I’ve never seen it as a career or job. “It is just a hobby that I’ve loved doing and happen 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 be forever thankful for.

“Stepping away from the pool is quite a scary decision for someone whose whole adult life to date has revolved around around swimming, weights, diet, peeing i a pot while someone watches, outdoor swim caps and lots of napping!

“I am very much looking forward to the next chapter of my life and the normality of eating and drinking what I want – and the only time someone watches me pee is when I leave the door open by accident and the dog comes in!

“I will miss my daily naps and choosing to do sets backstroke while training outdoors just to get an even tan! “But it is time to close this chapter of my life and move on to the next.

“Swimming has taught me so much and given me so many 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.”

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