Brianna Throssell has been a key member of the Australian swimming team since her debut at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Along the way, Throssell racked up four Olympic medals – two of them gold – while carving out a sporting career that Australia will remember.
Paris was Throssell’s last Olympics, with the swimmer now looking at a life beyond the pool, but she made the most of her experience, helping the 4×200-metre freestyle relay team to a gold medal and an Olympic record.
Throssell is starting life after swimming, but before she does, we asked her to revisit her experience at Paris 2024. Here, Throssell discusses life in the Olympic village, the feeling of winning gold for her country, and what the future might hold.
Women’s Health: What was it like winning gold in the 4×200-metre freestyle relay?
Brianna Throssell: Competing in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2024 Olympic Games was an experience I will never forget. As I look back on this journey, there’s a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, relief, and a touch of melancholy, knowing that this was my final Olympic appearance. Representing Australia alongside my incredible teammates and friends was the culmination of years of hard work, determination and resilience.
WH: How did you prepare in the lead-up to the race?
BT: The preparation for the Olympics was intense, to say the least. My teammates and I spent five weeks in France before the Games, training and acclimatising. France was the chosen destination because it provided us with a perfect environment to focus on our craft—adjusting to the weather, getting used to the time zone, and most importantly, bonding as a team. This period was crucial for us to fine-tune our skills and strategies while ensuring that we were physically and mentally prepared for the games ahead.
Flying from Australia to Europe is never easy, especially with the time difference and the toll it takes on your body. But those five weeks in France were invaluable. We had the chance to immerse ourselves in intense training sessions, away from the distractions of home. It was about more than just physical preparation; it was also about getting our minds in the right place. We knew the competition would be fierce, and we wanted to ensure that we were ready for anything.
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WH: What’s life in the Olympic village like?
BT: The Olympic Village is a place like no other—a melting pot of cultures, dreams and ambitions. But for me, this time around, it was about keeping a low profile. There was a lot of sickness going around, and with my race scheduled for day six of competition, I knew that staying healthy was paramount. I made a conscious decision to minimise interactions, focusing on myself and my performance.
While it was tempting to mingle with other athletes and soak in the atmosphere, I kept reminding myself of the bigger picture. I stayed close to my teammates and roomies, and we created our own little bubble of positivity and focus. We supported each other, knowing that every little detail could make a difference when it came time to race. It was a fine balance—being part of the larger Australian team while also ensuring that I was in the best possible shape for our event.
WH: How did you feel during the race itself?
BT: Standing on the blocks for the 4x200m freestyle relay, I felt a surge of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a deep sense of pride. This was it. The moment I had all been working toward. As I dove into the water, everything else faded away. It was just me, the pool, and the race ahead. As I swam, I could feel the energy of the crowd which gave me a boost of energy to get my hand on the wall for my teammate.
When we touched the wall and saw our time, setting a new Olympic Record, it was a surreal moment. The elation was indescribable. To achieve that with my teammates by my side, knowing we had just made history, was beyond anything I could have imagined. It was the perfect way to cap off my Olympic journey.
WH: What’s next now that you’ve reached the end of your Olympic career?
BT: Knowing that this was my final Olympic Games is bittersweet. I’ve poured so much of my life into swimming, and it’s been an extraordinary journey. However, this isn’t the end of my swimming career; it’s simply the beginning of a new chapter. I’ll be taking an extended break to explore new opportunities and return with a fresh mindset. The future holds so much promise, and while stepping away from competitive swimming for now feels daunting, it’s also incredibly exciting.
I’ll forever cherish the memories, friendships, and experiences that the Olympics have brought me. The lessons I’ve learned—about perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—will remain with me as I move forward. Although my time as an Olympic athlete has concluded, the spirit of the Games will always be a part of who I am.
