Aussie swimming great set to retire after Games

Stephanie Rice collected three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Australian swimming star Stephanie Rice is reportedly set to retire after the 2012 London Olympics.

The 23-year-old has told News Limited she doesn't think she can sustain the commitment required to remain at her peak for another four years.

Rice said she's interested in exploring different career options but wouldn't shut the door completely on a comeback at some stage in the future.

The triple Olympic gold medallist said she is as fit as she was when she achieved success at the 2008 Beijing Games and is focused on exiting the sport on a high.

"I will be 24 (for the London games) and time to move on and make some new changes I think,'' Rice said.

"I just know within myself I wouldn't be able to give that effort for another four years and I don't really see the point in swimming through to (retire at) a non- Olympic event, because the Olympics is the pinnacle.

"I've got back down to my racing weight and my skinfolds in Beijing which I'm happy about because I haven't been there for four years.

"I'm just making sure I dot all the I's and cross all the T's now so I don't have regrets later on.

"I really wouldn't want to say I've quit or will quit after this because you never know what will happen in time, but I don't see myself swimming for another four years.

"Swimming requires so much commitment and dedication and I know if I'm not giving 100 per cent to it I'm not going to get the results I want and I don't see the point in doing something half-heartedly.''

- AAP