There are only a few athletes in the world who are considered legends of their sport. Katinka Hosszu would definitely be one of them. Owner of two-thirds of the Hungarian national records, this swimming icon has been an inspiration to generations of athletes. But all good runs come to an end, and Hosszu now looks at a life beyond the swimming pool. And her fans aren’t missing the chance to celebrate the incredible career of the 35-year-old.

Hosszu made her debut at the age of 15 at the 2004 Athens Olympics but wasn’t able to get recognition on her first attempt at the big prize. She didn’t medal there, but over the next two decades, she became one of the greatest swimming stars of all time. With 4 Olympic golds, 26 World Championships golds, and 97 international medals, Katinka is now a Hungarian icon. For understandable reasons, her latest announcement has the fans once again show up with love.

On January 8, Hosszu took to Instagram to bid goodbye to her professional career. “I am announcing my retirement,” she wrote, noting her thanks to the fans for sticking with her through the years. “For thirty years, water was my home, a sanctuary where I found solace and strength,” read the post further, as the University of Southern California alum shared some of her greatest feats and favorite moments.

For Hosszu, the swimming pool became like the lines on her palm. “The cool embrace of the water felt like coming home, a place where gravity had ceased to exist,” wrote the 3x NCAA gold medalist. The pool has brought her numerous accolades too. “As I progressed in my swimming career I went from being a curious child to one of the most accomplished female swimmers ever I have learned valuable lessons throughout my career that went far beyond sports. Swimming taught me perseverance,” she wrote further in her social media update. The current 100m and 200m IM world record holder, Katinka, was also the co-captain of the team during her time as a USC Trojans athlete, making her a celebrity in the USA just as much as she is back home. Justifiably, her retirement decision has the fans lauding her laurels everywhere.

“I’m not an early bird, never have been. But in my whole life, you were the only one who made me wake up at four or quarter past five when you were swimming in the Rio Olympics,” wrote a fan, remembering how overwhelming it was to see Hosszu bag gold at the tournament. While Hosszu doesn’t take life too seriously always, her relentlessly competitive alter ego has wowed many.

After a stellar show at the 2012 World Championships in the 200m butterfly event, Chinese tabloids dubbed Katinka as the “Iron Lady.” Remembering her never-say-die attitude, one fan hailed her, saying, “You will always be an IronLady :)!!!” Soon, more congratulations started flowing in.

Fans wish the swimming star the best of luck

As a kid, Katinka wasn’t as lean as she is today. “When I was a girl I used to be pretty chubby and not very tall. In training they (the coaches) believed I didn’t belong there,” she remembers and it probably took a toll on her own spirit as well. After failing to make a mark at the 2004 and 2012 Olympics, the former NCAA swimmer was advised to retire. However, Hosszu wasn’t one to give up and instead resumed training with vigor.

As a result, she walked away from Rio in 2016 with 3 gold and 1 silver medal. An incredible comeback and fans haven’t forgotten the awe-inspiring journey. “You have become a role model to many and inspired many,” another swimming follower fondly reaffirmed Katinka Hosszu’s elite status within the community.

While she hasn’t competed much at the top level in recent times, Hosszu’s association with swimming hasn’t thinned. Instead, coming from a family of athletes, Hosszu has remained steadfast in pursuing her passion in any way possible. As a co-founder of the International Swimming League, Katinka is determined to make her beloved sport more popular. With her involvement in the community being so deep, one fan is curious as to why she would want to hang up her swimming cap. “Why right now?” enquired the fan.

But not many care. They’re just thankful that they were a part of Katina’s sensational ride. “You are amazing! Congratulations on a incredible career,” commented one fan, as Italian swimmer Ilaria Cusinato called Hosszu her “biggest inspiration ever.” Will you also miss watching the Hungarian swimming legend in action? Tell us your thoughts on her decision in a comment!