Romanian Swimmer Robert Glinta Retires at 25

The announcement by the Romanian champion came as a big surprise for many people. He announced his retirement on Wednesday, January 18, in a post on Facebook.

The time has come for me to take a step back from competitive swimming. Through highs and lows, this sport has taught me so much and truly made me grow into the more evolved human being I am today. Whether it is a pain or glory, failure or success, suffering or bliss, the amount of responsibility, discipline, dedication, and ambition through hard work to achieve a goal and overcome adversity and obstacles grew deep roots within me that will forever stay with me. None of it would have been possible without the people I worked with along the way. Each of them plays a huge role and leaves an important mark on my career and my life. For them, I cannot express my gratitude enough. All the lovely memories and dear friends that this path has brought me, soul connections that go beyond the swimming life, make me feel that I won so much more than just some medals and trophies along the way. To all my friends and fans, I want to thank you for always showing your support and for believing in me no matter the situation. The resources are exhausted, and it is time to address and look after my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, for I am just another human being, after all. The time has come for me to step back from competitive swimming.

Romanian swimmer Robert Glinta announcing his retirement on Facebook

Robert Glinta, 25, made history for Romanian swimming and the other exceptional swimmer, David Popovici. He was the first Romanian male swimmer to win a European title. It happened in 2020, at the 100 backstroke event in Hungary, during the European Championships.

Backstroke seems to have been his favourite event, as he also won the bronze medal in the 100 m backstroke at the World Short Course Swimming Championships (25 meters) in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) in 2021. Moreover, he won the bronze in Kazan at the European Championships in the short course in November 2021, in the 50 m backstroke.

His retirement leaves the Romanian male swimming with only one star to compete, David Popovici.