By Braden Keith on SwimSwam
University of Texas graduate Olivia Bray has announced her retirement from competitive swimming after 17 years.
In her departing message, Bray acknowledged that her 5th year of collegiate swimming wasn’t the ending she had imagined, but that she still has positive reflections on her time in the sport.
“This wasn’t the year or ending I had imagined, but as I step away from the sport and reflect on my career, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Swimming has shaped me in ways I can’t fully put into words—it has challenged me, pushed me beyond my limits, and taught me resilience, discipline, and passion.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Thank you @texaswsd for the last five years—for providing a space where I could grow as an athlete, teammate, student, and person. It was the most fun I’ve ever had. To my teammates, thank you for making every practice, every meet, and every moment so special and fun. And to my coaches @ccapitani & @daltonmj & @chad_mylin, thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and shaping me into the person I am today. To my friends, thank you for your unwavering support. And to my family, thank you for letting me chase my dreams and always believing in me. There aren’t enough thank yous to cover everyone or fully express my gratitude.
It’s hard to put into words what this sport has meant to me, but I know I’m walking away with a full heart, lifelong memories, and the comfort of knowing I gave it my all. Little me would be so proud of it all. Time to let my body rest- Bray out
