### Lilly King: A Swimming Legend Bids Farewell Lilly King, a prominent figure in American swimming and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has announced her retirement from competitive swimming, with her final meet on U.S. soil set for the upcoming Toyota National Championships in Indianapolis. This event, scheduled for June 2025, marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen King become a world record holder and a fierce competitor in breaststroke events. Her decision to retire comes after a remarkable journey that began in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana, and has spanned nearly two decades in the sport [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/31/lilly-king-retirement-announcement-usa-swimming]. ### Structure of Lilly King's Retirement Announcement 1. **Announcement of Retirement** - Lilly King confirmed that the 2025 season will be her last, culminating in the Toyota National Championships in Indianapolis [https://www.espn.com/olympics/swimming/story/_/id/45411327/american-swimming-star-lilly-king-announces-farewell-season]. 2. **Career Highlights** - King is celebrated for her achievements, including being an 18-time world champion and a 27-time world medalist, with three gold medals from the Olympics [https://www.yardbarker.com/swimming/articles/indiana_swimming_legend_lilly_king_announces_her_retirement/s1_16544_42269172]. 3. **Community and Personal Reflections** - In her announcement, King expressed her desire to conclude her career at the IU Natatorium, a venue significant to her development as a swimmer, stating, "It has always been important to me that my last meet in the (United States) be at the pool that started it all" [https://www.yardbarker.com/swimming/articles/olympic_legend_lilly_king_announces_decision_on_swimming_future/s1_17616_42269196]. 4. **Reactions from Peers** - Fellow swimmers, including Katie Ledecky and Regan Smith, have publicly acknowledged King's impact on the sport and expressed their admiration as she prepares for her final competitions [https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/news-katie-ledecky-regan-smith-kate-douglas-others-react-lilly-king-bids-farewell-sport-final-home-meet]. ### Evidence of Lilly King's Impact and Achievements - **Olympic Medals**: - 3 Gold Medals (2016, 2020) - 2 Silver Medals - 1 Bronze Medal - **World Championships**: - 18-time World Champion - 27-time World Medalist - **Final Meet**: - Toyota National Championships, Indianapolis, June 2025 [https://fox59.com/news/american-swimming-star-lilly-king-announces-farewell-season-final-us-competition]. ### Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making Lilly King's retirement marks the end of an era in American swimming, characterized by her fierce competitiveness and numerous accolades. 1. **Final Season**: King will compete in her last U.S. meet at the Toyota National Championships in June 2025. 2. **Career Achievements**: She leaves behind a legacy as one of the most decorated swimmers in history, with significant contributions to the sport. 3. **Community Impact**: King's choice to retire at her home pool underscores her deep connection to her roots and the sport. As she prepares to hang up her goggles, the swimming community reflects on her remarkable journey and the indelible mark she has left on the sport [https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/sports-news-american-swimming-star-lilly-king-announces-farewell-season-final-us-competition-6896905.html].