Australian swimmer Cate Campbell’s illustrious Olympic career is over.
The four-time gold medalist failed to become the first Aussie to swim in five Olympics.
The 32-year-old finished seventh in the women’s 50m freestyle at the Olympic selection trials in Australia on Saturday evening in Brisbane.
Only the top two winners – Shayna Jack and Meg Harris – will compete in the event at the Paris Games from July 26.
Campbell, after missing qualifying for the 100-meter freestyle final by a hundredth of a second on Friday evening, ends her Olympic career with four gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
Queensland’s Cate Campbell is hugged by her competitors after the women’s 50m freestyle final at the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials at the Brisbane Aquatic Center
Campbell finished seventh in the Olympic qualifier, beating her bid for a fifth Olympic Games
Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor hopes Campbell, who was Australia’s joint flag-bearer at the 2021 Tokyo Games, is not lost to the sport.
“Her contribution is enormous,” Taylor said.
“Cate has clearly been one of the best relay swimmers in the world over time.
“Her presence on the team, her leadership, her poise, who she is as a person is probably the most important thing and her legacy in swimming is undeniable.
‘I was on the Beijing (2008) Olympic team with Cate when she was 16… and watched her grow and develop.
“Just a very consistent person with great character who will hopefully stay involved… and help develop the next group.”
Australia will announce its swimming team for the Paris Olympics later Saturday evening after the final event of the trials.