One of the greatest swimmers to ever come out of Wales has announced his retirement.
Dan Jones, who was a part of two bronze medal winning relay teams during this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, said he is stepping away from competitive swimming at the age of 30.
Jones represented Wales at the last two Commonwealth Games, competing in the 50 freestyle and on four relay teams during the 2022 event in Birmingham.
At this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Jones was a part of the men’s 4×200 free and mixed 4×100 free relay teams that captured bronze.
Jones reflected on his swim career in making the annoucement, telling Swim Wales it was an honor to represent Wales and it was a privilege to meet many people in the sport, most notably his fiancé and fellow Welsh swimmer, Alys Thomas.
“Swimming has shaped me into the person I am today,” Jones said. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible people, making lifelong friends, creating memories I’ll cherish forever and most importantly, meeting my future wife – all thanks to swimming.”
Jones also said he plans on pursuing a career as a strength and conditioning coach in the sport.
“Although this chapter is coming to an end, you won’t get rid of me just yet!” Jones said. “I’m excited to stay within the sport as I pursue my strength and conditioning qualifications, and I hope to give back to the sport that has given me so much by helping and inspiring the next generation of Welsh swimmers on their own journeys.”
Ross Nicholas, the national performance director for Swim Wales, said that Jones “exemplified the values of hard work, commitment, resilience and excellence.”
According to Swim Wales, Jones began swimming at age nine at the Oswestry Otters Swimming Club.
When he was 14, Jones won silver in the 100 free at the British Summer Championships and became the first Welshman to break the 22-second barrier in the 50 free (short course).
