Wellbrock, German Olympic swimming medalist in early retirement

 

MAGDEBURG – German Olympic swimming bronze medallist Sarah Wellbrock has decided to end her career due to ongoing health problems.

“Swimming has been a part of me for almost my entire life and defined my daily life for the past 18 years. But for around two years now, my body can’t take the burden anymore,” Wellbrock wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.

She had repeatedly hoped to get the long-standing shoulder issues under control, but, despite great efforts, there was no improvement, her management said in a statement.

“Of course, countless tears have flowed amid the decision-making process and there will certainly be some more. It was an incredibly hard decision,” Wellbrock said.

Wellbrock won 1,500 metres freestyle bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also has an open water team event gold from the 2019 world championships.