2012 London Summer Olympics

American Swimmer Dara Torres

Omaha, NE

After failing in her bid for a sixth Olympic stint, veteran swimmer Dara Torres said it is finally time to leave the sport for good and let the young guns carry the fight for the United States.

"This is really over, that's it," said Torres, who was trying to become the first American swimmer to make six Olympic teams in a span of 24 years.

"I'm going to enjoy some time with my daughter and cheer on the U.S. team from afar," she added.

[Check Out: 5 Lessons for Over-35 Athletes From Olympic Swimmer Dara Torres].

The 45-year-old Torres finished the 50-meter freestyle in 24.82 seconds, behind Jessica Hardy (24.50), Kara Lynn Joyce (24.73 dive-to-touch) and Christine Magnuson (24.78).

"Obviously I was hoping to make the team,' Torres said. "That was my goal and missing it by less than a tenth of a second is tough, but I don't think there's anything I could have changed."

Torres began her career in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics when she was still a teenager.

During her 24 years with the US national team, Torres has won 12 Olympic medals for the US -- four gold, four silver and four bronze medals - and five of which she won during the 2000 Summer Games. She has won at least one medal in each of the five Olympics in which she has competed.

In 2008, Torres became the oldest swimmer ever to earn a place on the US Olympic team when she saw action in Beijing where she won silver medals in the 50-meter freestyle, 4x100-meter medley relay and 4x100-meter freestyle relay.

"I can leave this knowing I gave it everything I possibly could," Torres said while holding her daughter, Tessa, in her arms.

"I had more downs than ups the past couple of years, especially with my coach passing away, but just longevity in being the sport this long," added Torres.

 

 

Swimmer Dara Torres Retires After Bid for Sixth Olympic Stint Fails