European bronze medallist Barry Murphy has decided to retire from elite swimming.
The 29-year-old Dubliner claimed a bronze medal in the 50m breaststroke at the European Short Course Swimming Championships in Denmark last December.
The timing of his decision will surprise many ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, however, speaking to RTÉ Sport, Murphy said: “I really gave it some good consideration. I just felt that now is the right time to do it.
“It just felt right. I wanted to start a job and open a new chapter in my life.
“The Olympic Games itself doesn’t really suit my strengths. I’ve always been a 50m swimmer, it’s been my forte. To swim the 100m breaststroke, it’s not my strongest event.
“I just felt I couldn't conjure up the motivation to keep going for another two years.”
Swim Ireland National Performance Director Peter Banks said: “I want to congratulate Barry on a great career having represented Ireland at every level of the sport.
“Barry has shown great commitment and dedication and has been a great ambassador for future athletes in our sport. I wish him well and hope he stays involved with Swim Ireland and our sport at some level.”
