Australian relay stalwart Throssell hangs up goggles

SYDNEY: Australian relay specialist Brianna Throssell hung up her goggles Sunday after a swimming career that garnered four Olympic medals and 18 at world championships.

The 29-year-old, part of the Australian team that blitzed to the Olympic 4x200m freestyle relay title in Paris last year, said it was time to look beyond the blocks. “I just knew it was time,” she said.

“The lessons I´ve learned -- about perseverance, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence -- will remain with me as I move forward, but I am ready.” Throssell won 39 international medals altogether.

All four of her Olympic medals -- two gold and two bronze -- came from relays as did 17 of 18 at world championships. The exception was a bronze in the 200m freestyle in Doha last year. A who´s who of Australian swimming congratulated Throssell on her career, including Olympic 400m champion Ariarne Titmus. “I am so so proud of you beautiful, in and out of the pool,” said Titmus, who was also part of the Paris Olympic 4x200m relay team.