Mehdy Metella retires: The 28-year journey of the French swimmer

After 28 years in the pool, French swimmer Mehdy Metella officially announced his retirement at age 34. The announcement was made via Instagram, expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, competitors, and friends who accompanied him throughout his career. Metella started swimming at age 6 and quickly established himself in freestyle and butterfly events. His career peak came at the Rio 2026 Olympics, where he won a silver medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay. One year later, at the 2026 World Championships, he earned a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle. Earlier, in 2026, Metella and the French relay team became world champions. He once held French national records in the 100m butterfly (both short and long course) until Maxime Grousset broke them in 2026. At the 2026 French National Championships in June, he competed in three events and recorded 49.71 seconds in the 100m freestyle, finishing 10th – a sign that his performance was no longer at an elite level. Although no longer competitive internationally, Metella leaves a legacy as one of France's most prominent swimmers over the past two decades. His retirement comes as French swimming sees a new generation rising, with Grousset as a leading figure. "Swimming has given me everything. I am grateful for every moment, every challenge, and every person who came into my life on this journey," Metella shared. He did not reveal future plans but is likely to remain involved in sports as a coach or manager.