Grant Irvine announces retirement

2016 Olympian and Commonwealth Games medallist Grant Irvine has announced his retirement from swimming.

Brisbane born Irvine’s career spanned nearly 10 years at the highest level, where he claimed medals at the Commonwealth Games, Pan Pacs and both long and short course world championships. His senior debut came in 2012, where he announced himself to the world claiming bronze in the 4×100 medley relay at the Short Course World Championships in Istanbul.

Two years later he claimed the first of his Commonwealth Games medals, winning silver in the 200m butterfly, with South Africa’s Chad le Clos requiting a Games Record to beat him. Irvine’s career highlight came in 2016, where he represented Australia at the Rio Olympic Games in the 100 and 100 metre butterfly.

A home Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast saw him win bronze in the 100m butterfly and claim gold in the 4×100 medley relay, setting a Games Record in the process. 2019 saw Irvine relocate to Perth to rejoin old coach Michael Palfrey as part of the WAIS Swimming Program.

“The world of swimming has given me more than I could’ve ever imagined and I can confidently say that although I’m closing this chapter, I’m already incredibly grateful for the next one,” said Irvine.