SWIM ON

Missy Franklin Announces Retirement From Swimming

The five-time Olympic gold medalist has struggled with severe shoulder pain.

Five-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin announced her retirement from professional swimming on Wednesday. The 23-year-old and two-time FINA World Swimmer of the Year penned a letter explaining the difficult decision that stemmed from recurring shoulder pain. Franklin was open about her struggles with shoulder pain, depression, anxiety, and insomnia leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics. “This is by no means the end... swimming has been, and always will be, a big part of my life and I absolutely plan to stay involved in what I believe is the best sport in the world, just in a different way,” Franklin wrote. “I’m ready to not be in pain every day... I’m ready for the rest of my life.”

CRASH AND BURN

The Olympics Are Over. Time for the Slump.

Ashley Ross