Gunning calls time on career in the pool
Published:Wednesday | June 8, 2022 | 12:10 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
JAMAICA SWIMMER and two-time World Championship participant Michael Gunning has announced his retirement from competitive swimming.
The 28-year-old Britain-born athlete, who qualified to compete for Jamaica through his father, calls time on a career that saw him representing the country at two world championships and is the national record holder in the 200-metre freestyle at 1:50:00 and 200m butterfly at 1:59:60.
Gunning was in full preparation mode for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but plans were disrupted due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the games were postponed, world governing body, FINA, came up with faster qualifying times, leaving Gunning short.
Speaking with BBC Sports, Gunning said: “Whatever my journey is next, I will try hard. I’m a little scared, a bit daunted, because it’s unknown waters. But I’m ready to face it and make a difference. I want to make a real impact.”
Gunning’s retirement follows closely on the heels of gymnast Danusia Francis.