France’s Florent Manaudou, Olympic 50m freestyle champion, retires at 35

PARIS - French swimmer Florent Manaudou, the 2012 Olympic champion in 50m freestyle, announced he would bid farewell to the sport on Aug 15 at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris.

“Two years later, I’m announcing the end,” the 35-year-old told France TV on Aug 13, referring to the fact he has not competed since the 2024 Paris Games, where he claimed bronze in his signature event.

Manaudou, one of France’s greatest swimmers, departs with six Olympic medals. As well as the gold in 2012, he captured three silvers and two bronzes across appearances at four Games.

The younger brother of Laure, 2004 Olympic champion, also bagged multiple World Championship titles. REUTERS