Lilly King Reflects on a Stellar Career and Retirement Plans

Lilly King, a prominent figure in competitive swimming and Olympic gold medallist, has announced that the upcoming season will mark her final chapter in the sport. In a heartfelt post shared on May 31, 2025, on her Instagram, King expressed her gratitude and fulfillment in having achieved her goals within the sport, stating, "Well folks, my time has come. This will be my final season competing. I'm fortunate heading into retirement being able to say I have accomplished everything I have ever wanted in this sport. I feel fulfilled."

Born in Evansville, Indiana, King has been a standout athlete from her early years, competing for the Indiana Hoosiers and making her Olympic debut in 2016. Over the course of her career, she has won six Olympic medals, including gold medals at the 2016 and 2020 Games, and has solidified her legacy with 18 world championships and 27 world medals. Her retirement announcement came just ahead of the USA Swimming Toyota National Championships, which commenced on June 3, 2025, at the Indiana University Natatorium—a venue that holds significant personal history for King, as it is where she began her competitive journey at the age of 10.

“It has always been important to me that my last meet in the United States be at the pool that started it all,” King remarked. “I look forward to racing in front of a home crowd one last time.” The championships also served as a selection trial for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, with only the top two swimmers in each event qualifying for Team USA.

During the competition, King showcased her prowess by leading her heat in the 50m breaststroke, finishing with a remarkable time of 29.88 seconds, the fastest time among 51 competitors. Her performance not only secured her a spot at the World Championships but also reinforced her status as a leading figure in the sport. A day later, King placed second in the 100m breaststroke final, qualifying for her second World Championship berth with a time just 0.23 seconds behind fellow swimmer Kate Douglass. King holds the world record for the 100m breaststroke, set at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest.

Reflecting on her final season, King shared insights into her longevity in the sport, attributing her success to a combination of hard work and good fortune. “I’ve been really fortunate not to have had any major injuries. A lot of that comes down to taking care of myself. I take pride in that and try to set an example for the younger athletes,” she explained.

Despite the excitement surrounding the addition of the 50m breaststroke event to the Olympic program, King confirmed her decision to retire after the World Championships. “I’ve always known Paris would be my last Olympics. Would I love to swim in LA? Sure. But I’m also really excited to watch swimming in LA. I’m ready to move on and just be a normal human being,” she remarked.

As she prepares for the World Championships, King looks forward to focusing on her training and competing without the burden of additional events. “It’s nice going to Singapore without having to swim the 200. That gives me a few days to rest and get some training in between events,” she stated.

King's journey through competitive swimming has been marked by significant achievements and personal growth, and she expresses gratitude for the experiences and relationships forged along the way. “I’m really happy with how everything turned out. I’ve been fortunate to swim with—and learn from—so many amazing people. I hope I’ve passed some of that along.” As Lilly King embarks on her final season, she leaves a legacy that extends beyond medals and records; she serves as an inspiration for future generations of swimmers who will follow in her wake.