In a post-session interview on Friday evening, Cal senior Rachel Bootsma revealed she will retire from swimming at the end of the summer of 2016, putting to rest a storied career that includes an Olympic gold medal, three NCAA individual titles, national high school records, national age group records, and countless other accolades.
Bootsma, 22, is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. While at Eden Prairie High School she broke the National Public High School record in the 100 back. At Cal she won NCAAs in the 100 back in 2013 as a freshman and again in 2015 as a sophomore. Bootsma earned her third NCAA title in the event tonight, clocking a 50.28 to mark the sixth-fastest time ever swum. She also owns the fourth (50.13) and third (50.03) times on the all-time list.
Bootsma will compete in her third Olympic Trials in June, where she will attempt to make her second Olympic team. At 2012 Olympic Trials she was runner-up in the 100 back and was selected to the U.S. team for London. Bootsma earned a gold medal as a member of the American 4×100 medley relay and finished 11th in the 100 back.
After her gold medal performance in the 100 back at NCAAs tonight, Bootsma announced this would be her last summer swimming. You can see that announcement here.
One of most talented and competitive swimmers, AND an even better person!! She will have a great careen after swimming. Best wishes from a long-time fan!
Disappointing to read that from a fan’s point of view.
But she knows much better than anybody else what it’s better for her future.
As a non American outside observer, college swimming looks very demanding physically and also mentally.
I wish her the best end to her career with great olympic trials and the best for her post-swimming life.
Good for her!! She has a great degree from Cal & can now move on with her life & get a great job. Have a wonderful life Rachel!!