Lydia Ko Quashes Retirement Rumours After Historic Olympic Victory
Lydia Ko, New Zealand’s golf sensation and the youngest-ever World No. 1, has put retirement rumours on hold after capturing the gold medal in women’s golf at the 2024 Paris Olympics, solidifying her place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Ko, who had previously hinted at retiring by age 30 to pursue a career in psychology, sparked fresh speculation about her future after a candid interview with the Golf Channel earlier this year. The 27-year-old golfer admitted that her retirement plans remained uncertain, fluctuating with her performance on the course.
“It’s obviously not as close as Lexi [Thompson],” Ko said, referencing her American rival’s decision to step back from a full-time professional schedule by the end of the year. “It honestly changes day by day. I shot 80 at the US Women’s Open. I was like, ‘OK, I’m out of here soon,’” Ko joked.
Despite the doubts, Ko’s stunning performance at the Paris Olympics, where she clinched the gold medal and completed her Olympic medal set with bronze from Tokyo 2020 and silver from Rio 2016, has cemented her legacy. Finishing 10 under par, two strokes ahead of Germany’s Esther Henseleit, Ko became the most decorated golfer in Olympic history.
This victory also guaranteed Ko’s induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, making her the youngest inductee at 27 years old. Speaking ahead of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, Ko addressed the retirement rumours head-on.
“Retirement is something I’ve thought about for a long time, but after winning gold, it’s clear that I still have so much to give to the game,” Ko said. “I’m not ready to make any final decisions just yet.”
As the golfing world watches closely, Ko’s future remains as unpredictable as ever. For now, though, fans can rest assured that Lydia Ko is far from finished with the sport that she has dominated for more than a decade.
