Trailblazer Retires From Elite Swimming
Alice Dearing, the first Black female swimmer to represent Great Britain at the Olympics, has announced her retirement from the sport.
The 26-year-old marathon swimmer competed at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she finished 19th, but failed to qualify for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I’ve come a long way and I’m proud of the swimmer I became, but even prouder of the woman I am.” – Alice Dearing
A Childhood Dream Realized
Dearing achieved her childhood dream by competing at the Olympics, despite initially believing she “didn’t have the talent.” She takes pride in “helping make history for black people in Britain” by proving that swimming is for everyone.
“I didn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics and that was my main goal coming out of Tokyo, I wanted to try and improve on my result.” – Alice Dearing
A Tough Decision and Future Plans
Failing to qualify for Paris 2024 was the catalyst for Dearing’s retirement decision. She felt that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics “felt like a mountain to climb,” prompting her to call it a day.
Dearing plans to explore opportunities in the esports arena while continuing to empower people to discover swimming.
“Swimming has given me everything that I have and I’m so grateful to it – to step away and say that I’m done with it would be completely false.” – Alice Dearing
A Trailblazer’s Legacy
As a former world junior gold medalist and the co-founder of the Black Swimming Association, Dearing’s impact extends beyond her athletic achievements.
She has been a true trailblazer, paving the way for increased diversity and representation in swimming.
“Thank you to all of the people who have raised me up over this journey. Too many of you to name. It really has taken a village.” – Alice Dearing
A Heartfelt Farewell
In her retirement announcement, Dearing expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey, stating, “It’s been fun.
I would do it all again in a heartbeat. But my journey doesn’t stop here.” Her legacy as a pioneer in British swimming will continue to inspire generations to come.
