'I would be happy if I retired now': Swimmer Maggie Mac Neil enjoying ride before her last Olympics
CBC
Canadian swimmer Maggie Mac Neil has been training hard early this year, focused on what the reigning Olympic 100-metre butterfly champion says will be her final Games this summer in Paris.
Before COVID-19 hit in early 2020, Mac Neil had planned to leave competitive swimming after the Tokyo Olympics — which was rescheduled to 2021 — but felt she missed out on swimming opportunities during the global pandemic and opted to extend her career.
"I haven't decided on a firm end date, but I know I'm not going another quad [four-year Olympic cycle]. I've never wanted to [compete] to 2028. I want to go to law school in the next couple of years," Mac Neil revealed in a one-on-one interview last week at CBC Sports headquarters in Toronto.
"I've accomplished more than I ever wanted in swimming and by doing that, I would be happy if I retired now."
Mac Neil, who turned 24 on Monday, admitted to having mixed feelings while pondering her swimming future, but the pain the London, Ont., native endures with every competition and training session was a sign.
"I think most athletes do [have mixed feelings]. It's something you've spent your life doing, it's part of your identity," said the former Louisiana State University athlete, who continues to live and train in Baton Rouge while completing her master of science in sports management.
"I'm lucky my parents always had me focused on school first and swimming second. I've always had education to fall back on."
Rick Bishop, LSU head swimming coach, told CBC Sports Mac Neil has few boxes to check in the sport.
Bishop added Mac Neil's retirement will leave a big hole in the Canadian national team program.
"You're talking about someone who you could count on year in and year out," he said. "She's been invaluable on relays, from a butterfly and freestyle perspective."
WATCH | Mac Neil makes swimming history in Pan Am Games medley relay:
Mac Neil hasn't decided where to attend law school while prioritizing her degree and looking ahead to the start of the May 13-19 Canadian swim trials at the Olympic Pool in Montreal's Centre sportif du Parc Olympique.
"My last exam is May 7 or 8 so it's cutting it a little close [to trials] but that's my life the last 16 years as a student/athlete," said Mac Neil, whom Bishop stated will probably race once in May before joining the Canadian team for a pre-Olympic camp. "I'll miss graduation due to trials and I didn't go to my undergrad graduation either, but there's nothing I would rather miss it for than to make the Olympic team, hopefully."
"I always find school keeps my mind off swimming," said the self-proclaimed swim nerd, who likes to "devour" statistics. "I think I would go crazy if I just focused on swimming. I always like to have something to think about. I'm enjoying the ride now knowing it's going to come to an end soon."
