SYCERIKA MCMAHON HAS decided to retire from competitive swimming at 22 years of age.
The Olympian and two-time European medallist announced her decision this morning.
McMahon claimed a silver medal in the 50m breaststroke at the 2012 European Championships in Hungary.
In the same year, she also won bronze at the European Short Course championships in France.
McMahon wore the Irish singlet at the 2012 London Olympic games and in 2013, she shattered the national 100m freestyle record.
Down native McMahon took to Instagram to confirm the news in a statement:
She wrote: “This was an unexpected and difficult choice, as it is not easy to give up something you have done your whole life.
“My sport took me to some unimaginable highs and it’s been an honour for me to represent my country all over the world.
I look back on my career as a multi national record holder, multi European medallist, Worlds semi-finalist and an Olympian with pride. However, I always wanted and felt I was capable of a lot more.
“Regardless, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in helping me reach my goals over the years.”
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McMahon was based in the United States in recent years, having secured a scholarship at Texas A&M University in 2013.
She added: “I wouldn’t have been able to live out my dream as an Olympian or take up a scholarship in the USA without you all.
“As this chapter of my life comes to an end, I cannot wait to see what God has planned for the next one.”
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Up mayo
It’ll be close but Mayo by 2/3 points.
Kerry to help Mayo tomorrow – ie beating them so that they wont be in a position to lose 3 finals in a row
Yeah seriously. Mayo won’t be Dublin and it would be awful to lose three finals in a row. They’re actually better off losing tomorrow! lol
That’s right Petr – Kerry won’t fear Dublin one iota. They were extremely unlucky to lose the final 3 years ago and were leading by a point in the 69th minute of last year’s semi.
Yup. Kerry certainly won’t fear Dublin. That said, last year Dublin beat Kerry by seven points. That was the final score whatever way you slice or dice it. This Dublin team is something we haven’t seen before I think.
The current Dublin team doesn’t bear comparison with the Kerry team of the late 70s/early 80s, not yet anyway. To be considered a truly great team they will need to win at least 2 more all Ireland’s. The Tyrone team of 2003-2008 and Kerry between 2004- 2009 were superior units. Medals and trophies are what matters and Dublin still have a lot to achieve.
Yes I agree with that. What I’m saying is, I think they’re only getting going. None of those previous teams were putting teams away by 15 point margins. Well, let’s wait and see. Some great matches to come. :)
All those teams were putting teams away by 15 point margins. Dublin have been hugely impressive this season but let’s maintain perspective – Monaghan, Meath etc are very poor teams and it’s safe to assume that Dublin won’t be winning a semi or a final (assuming they are there) by such huge margins.
You lads are forgetting that this ‘great’ Dublin team only beat mayo by a point last year…
It’s a 70 min game you dope… They were also the first to score… If the ref blew it u then they would have won… How’s that for logic ???
“All those teams were putting teams away by 15 point margins.”
Eh, actually they weren’t.
Hope Mayo bate the shit out of them
Hope away!
I wonder who Mayo will be playing in the Final??????
There are related articles which are covering tomorrow’s Minor Semi final – so maybe you should check that out.
Come on Kerry best of luck.
Hon Mayo, Gooch is a massive loss, Mayo to win by a minimum of 3 points…
I have a feeling Kerry will be their usual snake in the grass selves and pull away with a 2/3 point win. Would love to see a Kerry Dublin final!
Kerry have come to this point very quietly. I think Mayo are not as strong as last year and they know it too. I think the doubt will kill them tomorrow.
Interesting the winning 2006 semi with Dublin is mentioned but not the total disaster the final was for them versus Kerry.
Kerry to win.
And maybe Donegal to beat Dublin….?
I hope your right jonny boy, I hope your right
Have a nice day at home pulling your plum, while we’re in Croke Park donal :)