BUDAPEST, Hungary — Katinka Hosszu, a celebrated three-time Olympic champion from Hungary and one of the sport’s most accomplished swimmers, has declared her retirement.

At 35, Hosszu, widely recognized as the “Iron Lady” of swimming due to her demanding range of events, leaves an impressive legacy after competing in five Olympic Games. She made her Olympic debut at a remarkably young age of just 15 during the 2004 Athens Games.

Her crowning achievement came during the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she claimed individual gold in the 100-meter backstroke, along with her signature events, the 200 and 400-meter individual medleys. In addition, she earned a silver medal in the 200-meter backstroke.

Beyond her Olympic successes, Hosszu has dominated the international stage with nine individual world titles in long course swimming since 2009, while also still holding the world record in the long course 200 individual medley. Her prowess in short course events further includes 17 gold medals from world championships.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Hosszu reflected on her journey: “For thirty years, the water has been my home, a sanctuary where I found solace and strength. From the moment I first stepped foot in the pool as a child, I knew I had discovered something magical. The cool embrace of the water was like coming home, a place where gravity ceased to exist, and each stroke brought me closer to my dreams.”

As she gazes back at her illustrious career, Hosszu expressed profound contentment, stating, “Now, as I look back on my career, I feel a sense of immense fulfillment. Medals and records are precious, but what remains most deeply is my undying love for swimming.”