Kicking off night 2 of the 2012 Canadian Olympic Trials was a big retirement announcement from former World-Record holder, and three-time Olympian, Brian Johns. Before the swimming began, Johns’ coach stepped up to the microphone to tell Canada that one of the great swimmers in history was calling it a career.
Johns, in thanking the fans, relayed the great history of the Canadians in the 400 IM, including 1984 Olympic gold medalist Alex Baumann, and two-time bronze medalist Curtis Myden. Johns continued that tradition in his long career with Swimming Canada, including a 2002 World Short Course silver medal and holding the 400 IM short course World Record from 2003-2005. He still holds the Canadian long course National Record in the race in 4:11.41.
He then graciously passed the torch to the 18-year old Alec Page who won the 400 IM and took the lone Olympic roster spot in the event in Tuesday’s finals.
The move was imminent after he underwent knee surgery a few months ago, and was unable to rehab in time to participate in last night’s 400 IM final.
The 29-year old had his highest Olympic finish in 2008 in Beijing, where he qualified for the final and finished 7th overall (which is where he set that National Record). Here’s wishing Johns the best of luck in his future career, which from interpreting his post-race comments will surely involve the sport in some capacity or another.