Jennifer Reilly Retires From Competitive Swimming

Published On: 22 June 2009

Jen Reilly has called time on an 11-year international swimming career

Triple Commonwealth Games medallist and dual Olympian Jennifer Reilly has today announced her decision to retire from competitive swimming effective immediately.

25-year old Reilly has brought to an end a successful eleven year swimming career that saw her feature at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games for Australia as well as winning gold in the 400m Individual Medley at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.

Reilly battled a shoulder complaint in 2008 that hampered her attempts to qualify for the Beijing Games and has decided to focus full time on her professional career as a primary school teacher.

I’ve found it difficult to find motivation to continue my swimming after missing out on Olympic selection, due to competing with a labrel tear in my shoulder,” Reilly said.

“Since having the operation to repair the injury, the past year would have to have been the longest of my career. Without the support of WAIS, my family who have always supported me and coach Roger Bruce,I don’t think I would have managed as well.”

Reilly burst onto the international swimming scene as a 14 year-old winning four gold and two silver medals at the 1998 Australian Age Championships, before claiming bronze in the same year at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. The Geraldton born swimmer will finish her career having represented her country at two Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004), three Commonwealth Games (1998 Kuala Lumpur, 2002 Manchester, 2006 Melbourne) and numerous other international competitions.

Despite the difficult decision, Reilly is proud to be moving on having achieved so much in the sport.

“It’s a hard decision for any athlete to make, but I feel I’ve achieved more than I ever dreamt I wouldand I’m happy to move on and see what else the future has in store,” Reilly said.

“To have competed in two Olympic Games, especially one in your home country is something I will never forget, and I feel honoured to have been able to represent my country for the last ten years.”