Former swimming star turned radio host Susie O’Neill has dropped a major bombshell live on air this morning, announcing she has quit as co-host of a popular breakfast radio show.
O’Neill, 51, who first shot to fame as a swimmer, took to the airwaves this morning to announce she was stepping down as co-host of the Nova 106.9 Brisbane breakfast radio host after more than 10 years at the helm.
Her last day on air will be November 28.
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The Olympic legend, who is part of the Ash, Luttsy and Susie O’Neill breakfast show, said while she made the announcement with a “heavy heart” it was time for her to “pursue other goals, both professionally and personally.”
“I do this with a very heavy heart, this decision wasn’t easy,” she began.
“Ash and Luttsy are like brothers to me. They brought me into their world a little over a decade ago and they have always been my biggest supporters.
“We have formed an incredible bond over the years, which made this decision even harder. I’m proud to call them my friends, as I am the entire Nova breaky team.”
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O’Neill said “turning 50 last year” led to her life-changing decision.
“I realised I’m at a whole new stage in my life. Our kids have grown up and I just feel the next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally.
“I feel like I want to get back to the grass roots of sport, and to involve myself more in the wider community.”
O’Neill added that she expected her final day would be emotional as she farewelled listeners and “my Nova family.”
“Nova has been amazing to me – a huge shout out to all of you who helped me navigate my way from the very beginning of my radio career. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to front such an awesome show,” she said.
“Both on and off air, it’s been a privilege and honour to learn a whole new set of skills and for people to get to know me beyond the sporting world.
“And to our listeners, you are who I am going to miss the most – I’ve loved my time with you.
“You are the reason we get up at the crack of dawn, so thank you for the hundreds of wonderful memories.”
O’Neill joined Nova 106.9 as a casual sports reporter in 2013.
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Colleagues Ash Bradnam and David “Luttsy” Lutteral shared memories of their time together, with Bradnam revealing he interviewed O’Neill in the 1990s when he was a cadet sports journalist.
O’Neill was born in Mackay, Queensland, and went on to become one of Australia’s most successful female swimmers.
Known as “Madame Butterfly,” she competed in the 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, winning medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly and 100m and 200m freestyle events.
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During her career, she has won 35 Australian titles, eight Olympic medals, of which two were gold, and 24 gold medals at major international swimming meets before stepping down from swimming in 2000.
She is married to ophthalmologist Cliff Fairley and they share two children.
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