Olympian and Commonwealth Games medallist Lauren Boyle retires from swimming

One of New Zealand’s most decorated swimmers has announced her retirement from the sport.

29 year old Lauren Boyle leaves swimming as one of New Zealand’s all-time best on the world stage. Boyle won two silver medals at the 2015 World Championships, is a Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist and a three-time Olympian.

The Aucklander has inspired a generation of swimmers with her hard work and dedication and represented New Zealand with pride and passion for more than a decade.

Boyle bids farewell to the sport following a hip injury in 2016 which eventually led to major surgery in May this year. She was selected for July’s World Championships in Budapest but was forced to withdraw due to hampered training efforts. As a result her swimming career wrapped up with her racing at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“I've been in swimming for so many years it has been my life,” said Boyle.

“I’m grateful to have been able to achieve what I have. It ends in the wake of this injury trouble and rehab setbacks that tell me I can’t get back. I’m leaving with no regrets.”

Above: Lauren Boyle on the podium at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships

Boyle’s first Commonwealth Games outing was at Melbourne in 2006 here she won bronze alongside her teammates in the 4 x 200m freestyle relay. She then won silver in the same event at Delhi 2010. Boyle showed her individual potential at Glasgow 2014, winning gold in the women’s 400m freestyle and silver in the 800m freestyle.

At Olympic level Boyle competed at the Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 games. Her best placing was in London, where she finished just outside the medals in fourth place in the 800m freestyle.

Former coach Denis Cotterell paid tribute to Boyle upon learning of her retirement.

“Longevity and continued success are the hallmarks of the true champion. Lauren certainly fits that criteria. She was an athlete who was prepared to do all it takes, and more, in and out of the pool, to give herself the best chance of success. In her events - the toughest - there could be no success if you weren't incredibly tough and prepared.”

Boyle said, “I want to thank all those who have supported me in their various roles through my career, my passion for swimming is still strong and I hope to have a continuing role in the sport.” 

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Above: Lauren Boyle on her retirement