SWINDON Olympian Grant Turner is hanging up his goggles after deciding to bring his glittering swimming career to an end.

The 25-year-old freestyler had been considering his future after failing to qualify for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but has now opted to end his racing career to concentrate on the swim school he has set up with his partner and fellow Olympian Jo Jackson.

During his time in the water the former Tigershark enjoyed great success as a junior, competed in two world championship finals, won a relay silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and also competed at the London 2012 Olympics - where he swam the fastest leg as the Great Britain relay team bowed out in the heats.

Having enjoyed his time on the circuit so much Turner admitted he thought long and hard about what he’s going to do next, but is totally at ease with his decision having realised his dreams during his career.

“I’ve been thinking long and hard about it having not had the results I wanted this season, although it goes back further than that, and I’ve made the decision to call it a day,” he said. “I’m going to hang up my goggles and retire.

“For me it’s always been a case of achieving everything I wanted to achieve in the sport, I’ve been lucky enough to compete in a home Olympics which was an amazing achievement, not many people get that chance so I’ve been very lucky.

“I don’t really feel disappointment or regret from my swimming career because I achieved everything I wanted to and had an absolute blast doing it and met some amazing people.

“I’m 25 now going on 26 and it’s time to do something different because all I’ve known in life so far is swimming.

“I have so many people to thank for their support over my career, Swindon as a town always got behind me and encouraged me while obviously my family have been amazing, so I’ve been very lucky.”

When asked to name a career highlight, Turner’s answer was an easy one.

“It’s got to be the London Games,” he said.

“For me, actually qualifying was a very special moment for me, my family, my partner, my friends and my coaches, it was amazing. It’s the pinnacle of any career and I’ve felt lucky and honoured to have done it.

“Being at the Olympics and walking out in front of that 17,000-strong crowd is something I will take to my grave and will never forget. It was awesome.”

l Read more on what lies ahead for Turner on page 36