35-year-old "Iron Lady" Hosszu announces her retirement

•3 min read
35-year-old "Iron Lady" Hosszu announces her retirement
In the early hours of January 9, Beijing time, three-time Olympic gold medalist and Hungarian swimming star Katinka Hosszú announced her retirement on social media.
At 35, Hossu wrote on social media: "For 30 years, the swimming pool has been my home—a sanctuary that has provided me with comfort and strength. From the very first time I stepped into a pool as a child, I knew I’d discovered something magical. The cool, flowing water makes me feel right at home, where gravity seems to vanish, and with every stroke, I get one step closer to my dreams."

Hosu announced her retirement on social media, sharing several photos of herself competing on the field.
Hosu shared that swimming taught her resilience in the face of adversity, instilled an understanding of discipline, and revealed the beauty of teamwork—plus, it helped her make countless friends. "For me," she wrote, "swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifelong journey filled with love, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence." Hosu also noted that every medal and record she earned brings her immense satisfaction when reflecting on her career—but what she’ll cherish most is her deep, abiding passion for swimming. Looking ahead, she plans to share her experiences with young swimmers, inspiring them to chase their dreams with unwavering determination.
Hosszú is one of Hungary's greatest swimmers of all time. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she clinched three gold medals—winning the women’s 400m individual medley, 200m individual medley, and 100m backstroke. On the global stage, Hosszú has dominated the World Championships for four consecutive editions, notably achieving a remarkable four-time consecutive victory in the 200m individual medley. Moreover, throughout her career, Hosszú has broken the world record multiple times, and the current world record in the women’s 200m individual medley still belongs to her.
Notably, Hosszu competed extremely frequently during the peak of her career, earning her the nickname "The Iron Lady" from many swimming fans. She also visited Beijing multiple times to compete in the Short Course World Cup, making her a well-known figure among Chinese swimming enthusiasts.
Source: Jingbao Sports
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