Published Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Melanie Nocher competes last year in the 14th FINA World Championships. (© Getty)
Nocher, who has competed at elite level internationally for 14 years, said she will always be involved in the sport but wishes to "move on to other challenges".
She took part in the 2008 and 2010 Olympic Games and won a bronze medal at the European Short Course Championships 2012.
Melanie was also Irish National Champion six times before she was 19.
"I will always be involved with swimming at some level but I am now ready to move on to other challenges," she said.
"I would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who has helped me along the way. I can promise I will remember everyone who has helped me.
"I am walking away from swimming a better all round person and have enjoyed every minute of it and made many, many friends along the way."