Australian swimming star Cate Campbell’s illustrious Olympic career is over.
The four-time gold medalist failed in her bid to become the first Australian to swim in five Olympic Games.
The 32-year-old finished seventh in the women’s 50m freestyle at the Australian Olympic selection trials on Saturday night in Brisbane.
Only the top two places, Shayna Jack and Meg Harris, will compete in the event at the Paris Games starting July 26.
Campbell, after missing qualifying for the 100m freestyle final by one-hundredth of a second on Friday night, ends her Olympic career with four gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
Queensland’s Cate Campbell is hugged by her competitors after the women’s 50m freestyle final during the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials at the Brisbane Aquatics Center
Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor hopes Campbell, who was Australia’s joint flag bearer at the 2021 Tokyo Games, is not lost to the sport.
“His contribution is immense,” Taylor said.
‘Cate has obviously been one of the best relay swimmers in the world consistently over time.
‘Her presence on the team, her leadership, her poise, who she is as a person, is probably the key and her legacy in swimming is undeniable.
‘I was on the Beijing Olympics team (2008) with Cate when she was 16… and I watched her grow and develop.
“Just a really consistent person with a great nature who will hopefully stay involved… and help develop the next group.”
Australia will announce its swimming team for the Paris Olympics after the final event of the trials on Saturday night.