Lilly King talks confidence, comebacks, and closing out career on her own terms

King, a native of Evansville, Indiana, and a standout swimmer for the Indiana Hoosiers, competed at the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games, winning six medals across her career. Her retirement announcement came just days before the start of the USA Swimming Toyota National Championships on June 3—held at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis, the pool where she first began racing as a 10-year-old.

“It has always been important to me that my last meet in the (United States) be at the pool that started it all,” King said. “I have been racing in the Indiana University Natatorium since I was 10 years old. From state meets, to the NCAA Championships, USA Swimming Nationals, and anything in between, this pool has been my home… I look forward to racing in front of a home crowd one last time. See you in Indy!”

An 18-time world champion and 27-time world medallist, King arrived in Indianapolis for what she had planned to be her final U.S. meet. The Nationals also served as the selection trials for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, with only the top two swimmers in each event qualifying for Team USA.

Predictably confident in familiar surroundings, King said: “We are here a lot for big meets. It’s exciting to always be able to swim here. I think everyone has a routine when they are here—perhaps not everyone’s routine is as down pat as mine, because I have been swimming here my whole life.”

King opted out of the 200m breaststroke and opened her competition in the 50m breaststroke—an event recently added to the Olympic program, though she has said another Olympic medal chase isn’t in her future. On June 5, she led her heat in 30.15 and went on to win the final in a field of 51 swimmers with the only sub-30-second time: 29.88. Her farewell tour was officially extended, with a spot secured for Singapore.

A day later, King finished second in the 100m breaststroke final—just 0.23 seconds behind Kate Douglass—securing her second World Championship berth. It was a fitting performance for the 28-year-old, who still holds the world record in the 100m breaststroke, set at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest.

In a post-race interview on NBC, King was her usual candid self: “Honestly, I just took a little bit too much caffeine before my race, so I was about to jump out of my skin anyway. I am super grateful to be here. I appreciate you all being here and coming out and supporting me, forever! It’s been such a great ride and I can’t wait to represent Team USA again this summer.”

How did you feel about your swim in the 50m breaststroke?
It was good—any time I can go under 30, it’s a good race. I like to win, and any time I get to do that is special. Doing it in front of a crowd makes it even more fun. It’s still exciting to be able to do this at my age. Coming off the blocks, I can hear Ray (Looze, my coach) in my head saying, “Don’t look around!”—but I don’t always listen to Ray. Every season gets a little harder as I get older, and that’s something I’ve had to work through. It’s tough to keep your confidence when you’re not hitting the in-season times you were hitting three, four, five years ago. But I take pride in overcoming that mental block.

What was your take on your 100m breaststroke performance?
The first 50 felt good—I think I was 30.6 going out. The front half looked strong; the back end is always a little messy. At a trials meet, you just have to get up and go for it. Of course, I’d love to be under 1:06, but we’ve got a solid training block ahead, and I’m excited to sharpen up before Worlds.

What’s been the secret to your longevity in the sport?
I’ve been really fortunate not to have had any major injuries. A lot of that comes down to taking care of myself. I take pride in that and try to set an example for the younger athletes—especially when it comes to stretching and recovery. And, honestly, I think I’ve just been lucky too.

Did the announcement about 50m stroke events being added to the LA Olympics make you reconsider retirement?
No! Well… yes, for about six hours. I called my mom and we talked it through. I had maybe a day of thinking it over. But I was already sure I was going to take next year off. I woke up the next morning and said to myself, “We’re good. Let the young ones have it.”

So when will you officially retire?
Now that I’ve qualified for the World Championships, I’ll retire after my last event in Singapore. After that, I’ll be cheering everyone on—so, good luck, everyone! Honestly, this has been my plan for at least five years. I’ve always known Paris would be my last Olympics. Would I love to swim in LA? Sure. But I’m also really excited to watch swimming in LA. I’m ready to move on and just be a normal human being.

What are your goals for the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore?
To swim fast! It’s nice going to Singapore without having to swim the 200. I didn’t do it at Short Course Worlds either. That gives me a few days to rest and get some training in between events. When I was doing my full schedule, I was swimming from Day 2 through Day 8—that’s a lot. I think the 200’s been affecting my 50 a bit, so I’m excited to be able to go all-in with a little more recovery.

What’s it meant to you to race the last few years at trials events in Indianapolis?
It’s been great. I love racing here. It just happened that the last few years worked out for me to swim at this pool and then at Lucas Oil Stadium last year. It’s been a cool way to close out this chapter of my career.

Were you able to take in the crowd’s support this week?
Yeah, I think I soak it in a little more when I’m here. I get a lot of love from the crowd, and I really appreciate it. I’m not sad—actually, I’m really excited. I’m feeling a lot of gratitude. I’m not super nostalgic just yet, and I don’t know if I will be. I’m not a very emotional person, but I’ll try to keep it together. I’m doing okay—it’s all good!

Looking back on your journey, what stands out the most?
I’m really happy with how everything turned out. I’ve been fortunate to swim with—and learn from—so many amazing people. I got to hear their stories, pick up their tips and tricks, and be part of something special with the national team. I’m grateful for that, and I hope I’ve passed some of that along.