Mack Horton: From Olympic Gold to Celebrity SAS and Fatherhood

6 January 2026 Sports and Personal Journey

Introduction: A Champion’s New Chapter

Australian swimming legend Mack Horton has captured attention once again, though this time away from the pool. The retired Olympic champion is currently appearing on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, which returns to Channel 4 on 4 January, in a season featuring both UK and Australian celebrities. The 29-year-old’s appearance comes at a significant time in his personal life, as the pair are currently expecting their first child, due this month with his wife Ella Walter.

A Decorated Swimming Career

Horton’s legacy in competitive swimming remains remarkable. Mack Horton is an Australian freestyle swimmer who won a lot of gold medals during his swimming career, including an Olympic gold, a World Championships gold, and four Commonwealth Games golds. His crowning achievement came at Rio 2016, where he captured a gold medal in the 400 free with a personal-best 3:41.55 at 20 years old. Beyond medals, Horton has gone down in swimming history for his vocal protests about anti-doping policies, making headlines by refusing to stand on the World Championships podium alongside four-time defending champion Sun Yang.

Retirement and New Beginnings

After missing the roster for the 2023 World Championships, Horton announced his retirement in early 2024, just prior to turning 28, taking up a job at an advertising firm in Sydney. His decision followed disappointing results at the 2023 Australian Trials, where he missed qualifying for the World Championships team by over three seconds. Since retirement, Horton has embraced new challenges, including cycling and now reality television.

Conclusion: Significance for Fans

Mack Horton’s journey from Olympic champion to reality TV contestant exemplifies how elite athletes navigate life after competition. His appearance on Celebrity SAS demonstrates his willingness to test himself in unfamiliar territory, whilst his impending fatherhood signals a new personal chapter. For fans who followed his courageous stance on doping and celebrated his swimming achievements, Horton remains an inspiration—showing that champions continue to evolve and challenge themselves long after leaving their sport.