Australian Swimming Icon and Anti-Doping Advocate Bids Farewell Amidst Controversy and Paris Olympic Anticipation

Every good thing must end, and Mack Horton’s story aptly proves the point. Mack, a renowned Australian swimmer and a onetime Olympic gold medalist, has decided to call it quits on his ornamented career. Such news has amazed the fans as the timing of his retirement comes at a juncture when the Paris Olympics is knocking at the door. However, the swimmer has stated that this was the ideal moment to step away from the waters.

While the fans anticipated the Paris Olympics to be the final dance for the 27-year-old athlete, it is pretty much evident that Horton had other plans. So why did Mack Horton suddenly decide to step away from swimming? Let’s dig deeper and find the answers below.

Mack Horton was lacking “hunger” for swimming 

The Aussie athlete had been one of the most excellent swimmers of his time. Horton won a significant number of accolades in Commonwealth events and world championships. However, he only has a solitary Olympic gold to show, which he won in 2016 at Rio, swimming in the 400m category. With a second Olympic medal out of contention, Horton candidly opened up about quitting.

Reflecting on his retirement decision, the 27-year-old stated, “I dearly wanted to swim in Paris, but the hunger wasn’t there,” he said. “I always want to give my all, and I am not someone who just wants to make up the numbers, so this is the right time to step away.” He also spoke about how he felt while donning his nation’s colors at international events. Horton expressed exhilaration and excitement to represent his country and also hoped that his country was proud of his deeds. 

Ending his speech on a somewhat somber note, Horton stated that although he did not regret his decision, he felt sad that the years flew past in an instant. However, Mack Horton was not only a mere swimmer. He was popularly known for being a staunch anti-doping advocate and keeping the game clean. One such famous incident involved the 3x Olympic winner Sun Yang.

Mack Horton labels Sun Yang a “cheater”

When Horton refused to share the podium with Sun Yang despite winning the 400m freestyle silver at the 2019 Gwangju World Championships, everyone could sense something was wrong. He accused the Chinese athlete of doping and even addressed him as a “drug cheat.” Such a high-octane feud landed Horton in hot waters as fans severely bashed him on social media. 

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However, Horton did not apologize, and rightly so, as after a significant investigation, Yang was found to have tampered with the doping procedure. This made him face an initial ban of eight years in 2021, which was later reduced to four years and three months in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

EssentiallySports wishes such a respectable character of the game a happy and safe retired life.

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