A Shift in Focus

Pickrem, 28, has been balancing her training regimen with a full-time coaching role as an assistant at West Virginia University (WVU) as July. Despite continuing to compete at a high level, including a recent medal win at the 2024 Short Course World Championships, she has decided to take a step back.

In a recent Instagram post, Pickrem explained her decision:

This year my personal swimming career has looked a little different. I’ve learned a lot, went best times, and enjoyed the process along the way. While managing being a full-Time College Coach & Swimming hasn’t always been easy, it’s been worth it.

With the support of Swimming Canada, I’ve decided not to compete at trials this year. For the first time in 13 years, I won’t be racing for Canada & I will be taking some time off to evaluate the next steps in my swimming career.

This isn’t goodbye to Swimming, just a see you later😊
Can’t wait to cheer on Canada this summer🇨🇦❤️

Pickrem emphasized that this is not a retirement proclamation but rather a period of reflection and evaluation.

Recent Performances

Since the Olympics, Pickrem has remained active in the swimming circuit. Her notable performances include:

• Bronze medal in the women’s 4×100 freestyle relay at the Short Course World Championships in December.
• Finals appearance in the women’s 100 individual medley,finishing 8th,at the same competition.
• Participation in all three stops of the mare Nostrum Tour in recent weeks.

Impact on World Championship Spots

pickrem’s absence significantly alters the landscape for the women’s 200 breaststroke and 200 individual medley events. she represented canada in both at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

while Summer McIntosh is the massive favourite in the 200 IM, Pickrem’s absence opens the door for other contenders.At the 2024 Olympic trials, Pickrem finished second to McIntosh with a personal best of 2:07.68 and later placed 6th in the Olympic final. Mary-Sophie Harvey could be the beneficiary after she placed 3rd at the 2024 trials.

In the 200 breaststroke, Pickrem secured a narrow victory at last year’s Trials over Kelsey Wog, who has since retired. With both Pickrem and Wog out of the picture, athletes like Harvey and Alexanne Lepage have a greater opportunity to vie for World Championship berths.

Pickrem’s Accomplishments

A former Texas A&M Aggie, Pickrem’s career highlights include:

• Three-time Olympian (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024).
• Qualification for Rio in the 400 individual medley at the 2016 Canadian Olympic trials.
• 6th place in the 200 individual medley and a bronze medal in the women’s 4×100 medley relay in Tokyo.
• 6th place in the 200 individual medley and 9th in the 200 breaststroke in Paris.
• Seven medals at the Long Course world Championships, including an individual silver in the 200 individual medley and two bronzes in the 200 breaststroke and 4×100 medley relay at the 2024 edition in Doha.
• Six medals at Short Course Worlds, including an individual gold in the 200 individual medley in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
• Double gold in the 200 breaststroke and 200 individual medley at the 2023 Pan Am Games.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming competition in Singapore will mark only the second Long Course World Championships since her debut in 2015 where Pickrem will not represent Canada. She previously withdrew from the 2023 meet in Fukuoka after initially qualifying.

FAQ

Is Sydney Pickrem retiring?

No, she is taking time to evaluate her next steps.

Why is she not competing at the Canadian Swimming Trials?

She is balancing coaching at WVU and wants to reassess her swimming career.

When will she compete again?

Her return is uncertain as she evaluates her future plans.

What events will be most affected by her absence?

The women’s 200 breaststroke and 200 individual medley.