Japan’s Mai Nakamura announced her retirement from competitive swimming today. Recurring shoulder problems have hampered the former world record holder.
“I feel relieved, although I can’t think of my life without swimming. I want to hand down the wonderful feelings you get from the sport.”
Nakamura won a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the Sydney Olympic. In 2000, she became the first Japanese swimmer in 28 years to hold a world record by and setting a 50m backstroke time of 28.67 seconds. Nakamura also held the world short course record of 58.45 in the 100m back and was part of the bronze medal winning 400m medley relay at the 2000 olympics.