26-year-old Ariane Titmus stated that after retiring, she had to let go of the mindset that once made her an Olympic gold medalist.

In an interview with The Guardian published on Sunday, this Australian swimmer said, "I tend to view many things in life as black and white, and that might not always be a good approach. Throughout my swimming career, it’s been all or nothing for me. Either I win or I lose; either I succeed or I fail. I don’t think that’s a very suitable mindset for life."

Titmus is one of Australia's most successful swimmers, with 4 Olympic gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal. She announced her retirement from competitive swimming after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Titmus stated that in 2023 she underwent surgery to remove an ovarian tumor, which affected her fertility. Since then, she has begun to feel the need to make more room for other aspects of her life.

She said, "I am indeed working hard to change the way I view certain things in life, to no longer live with that super-high-intensity mindset that is necessary to succeed in the pool. Because I no longer have to do so now."

Other retired athletes have also mentioned that reshaping the daily habits and ways of thinking that once helped them achieve outstanding results is a challenge.

In July this year, former NHL player Brooks Letchi told Business Insider that it took him several years after leaving hockey to find a new goal in life.

He said that repeatedly reminding himself, "If you can do it once, you can do it again," helped him make the transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur.

In August of this year, Lindsey Vonn stated that training used to bring her a sense of focus, which she has struggled to find again since retiring.

Vorn said, “Unless you set aside specific time at the gym, or you have a fixed routine for meditation, it’s actually quite difficult to truly be in the present moment. We’re pulled in so many different directions.”