Triple Olympian Belinda Hocking has announced her retirement from swimming, one month ahead of trials for the 2017 world titles.
The dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist has drawn the curtain on her nine-year international career at the age of 26.
She is studying to become a teacher.
"It has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make but I am so excited and a little bit nervous for what the future will hold," the champion backstroker said.
"It is something that will take time to adjust and something that may take years to adjust to but I am extremely lucky to have such a great support system."
Hocking looked set to give the sport away after a horror run in 2015 when she suffered a knee injury, seriously burnt her hand and was involved in a car accident.
However, she still fought back to qualify for the Rio Olympics, where she finished fifth in the 200m backstroke - her pet event.
But Hocking pulled the pin on contesting a fourth world championships just one month before the April 9-13 selection trials in Brisbane.
Hocking - coached by Rohan Taylor - also competed in two Commonwealth Games and two Pan Pacific championships.
Since 2008, she amassed eight Australian titles, including seven in the 200m backstroke.
