Swimming Australia has expressed its gratitude and recognition to Mack Horton for his remarkable contributions to the Australian Dolphins team following his retirement from international competition. The 27-year-old swimmer leaves behind an impressive career, including an Olympic gold medal in the 400m freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay in Tokyo. Horton’s achievements extend beyond his medals, as he has been an athlete leader and a staunch advocate for clean sport.
Mackenzie “Mack” Horton’s dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact on the world of swimming. As a World, Commonwealth, and Olympic champion, he is known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his integrity, values, and the courage to stand up for what he believes in. Throughout his 17-year career, Horton accumulated six gold medals across Olympic, World, and Commonwealth Games, leaving an indelible mark on the national teams, individuals, and the swimming community as a whole.
Horton’s journey in swimming began in Melbourne, where he was born and raised. Overcoming his initial fear of the water, he started competitive swimming at the age of 10. His talent quickly became evident when he broke his first Australian Age Record at just 13 years old. Horton continued to rise through the ranks, showcasing his potential as a future star with five gold medals and five championship records at the 2013 World Junior Championships in Dubai.
After an impressive showing at the 2014 Australian Championships, where he won the 1500m freestyle, finished second in the 400m freestyle, and set three new junior world records, Horton transitioned to the senior ranks. Throughout his career, he remained the only male swimmer from the state of Victoria to win an individual Olympic gold medal, solidifying his place in Games history.
Outside of the pool, Horton recently married his high school sweetheart, Ella. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, he will be focusing on a career with advertising company Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Horton expressed that he no longer felt the same hunger to compete, stating, “I always want to give my all, and I am not someone who just wants to make up the numbers, so this is the right time to step away.”
Grateful for his time representing Australia and wearing the green and gold, Horton hopes that he has made his country proud. He acknowledges the privilege he had to contribute to the sport and his teammates, leaving behind a legacy that he hopes will be remembered fondly. As he bids farewell to swimming, Horton will forever be remembered for his stand against doping in the sport.
One of the defining moments of Horton’s career came at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships when he won silver in the 400m freestyle, finishing behind China’s Sun Yang. In a powerful statement, Horton refused to shake Sun Yang’s hand or stand on the winners’ podium, sparking a standoff that resonated throughout the swimming world. In February 2020, Sun Yang was issued an eight-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for tampering with the doping control process.
Looking back on his career, Horton expresses no regrets, only a sense that time passed too quickly. Swimming has been his life, and he values the friendships and relationships he has formed above any gold medal. As Mack Horton steps away from international competition, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, courage, and a commitment to clean sport that will continue to inspire future generations of swimmers.