Multi-Commonwealth medal winner Karen Legg announced her decision to retire from swimming this weekend at the Dorset County Championships in Littledown.
The 26-year-old Ferndown Otter has enjoyed a seven-year career at international level and was the most decorated British swimmer at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester where she won five medals, one of them gold, to add to the two she won at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Having taught herself to swim at the age of 12, Legg’s story is one of determination and a work ethic that has seen her win two world titles and two World Records with the British 4x200m freestyle squad in 2000 and 2001.
Her decision follows months of agonising in the wake of a disappointing Olympic Games in Athens.
“I took four months off after Athens, then decided to give it one more go to try to get to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next year,” she said.
“I’ve trained hard since the new year and done some good times and tried to enjoy it, but in my heart I knew it wasn’t like it used to be and that I didn’t have the drive I had years ago.
“I’m nearly 27 and I’ve probably done more than many people do in a lifetime – including travelling the world through my sport.
“But if you are not happy doing what you are doing, you have to do something about it, and that’s the point I have reached.
“I’m really upset about it. It’s going to leave a big gap in my life, like getting a divorce or ending a relationship.
“But even if I went to Melbourne, I can’t see myself beating what I did in Manchester.”
Legg paid tribute to her coaches, particularly Laurie Dormer, who took her from mediocrity to the brink of national success with Dolphins, and Otters’ Tony Watson, who has guided her every move since 1997.
“Laurie helped with my technique and we had a good relationship but the time came when I had to move on,” she said.
“Tony and I are a complete unit. He’s like a best friend. I can talk to him and trust him on any issue, both in the pool and out of it.”
-ENDS-
For more information contact ASA media officer Amanda Smith on 01509 632238, 07876 652 318 or email amanda.smith@swimming.org
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