Olympic legend Susie O’Neill quits live on air

Olympic legend and Brisbane Nova radio host Susie O’Neill has announced her departure from the air after over a decade on the airwaves.

O’Neill, who competed in three Olympic Games during her swimming career, won eight medals, including gold in the 200m butterfly in 1996 and the 200m freestyle in 2000.

She first joined the Nova 106.9 team in 2013 and moved to the breakfast show with Ash, Luttsy, and Susie O’Neill in 2016. O’Neill said it was hard for her to articulate why she is leaving after more than 10 years on air.

She broke down in tears describing the support she had received from her co-hosts, including when she first joined the breakfast team. She said that turning 50 last year had been a turning point for her, as she realized she was at a new stage in her life. She felt that the next chapter would see her pursue other goals, both professionally and personally.

She wanted to get back to the grassroots of sport and involve herself more in the wider community. O’Neill thanked her listeners, saying they were who she would miss the most. She said she loved her time with them and nothing pleases her more than when one of them comes up and recounts a story she has shared on air. Her last day on air was announced as November 28.