Mitch Larkin: Shattered Aussie Olympian who was accused of cheating on his pool queen girlfriend retires just days before the Paris Games: 'I wish this wasn't true'

Aussie Olympian and former world champion Mitch Larkin has announced his retirement from swimming just days out from the Paris Games.

It comes as the 31-year-old failed to qualify for the Dolphins squad at the recent national trials in Brisbane.

Larkin was hoping to become the first Australian male swimmer to compete at four Olympics - but came up short in the 100m and 200m backstroke events.

'They say all great things must eventually come to an end. As much as I wish this wasn't true, sadly it is time to call it a day to my swimming career, a chapter that consumed almost 25 years of my life,' Larkin posted on Instagram.

'It truly is hard to comprehend all the incredible memories, friendships and stories this sport has provided. 

'Looking back as a kid dreaming of swimming for Australia, I am lucky to say I was able to live out my childhood dream.'

Larkin - who snared silver and bronze medals at the 2016 Games in Rio - also wished the likes of Ariarne Titmus and Emma McKeon the best of luck in Paris.

'To those of you living out your dreams ... best of luck and absolutely rip in, myself and the rest of this country is behind you. You have already done us proud,' he said.

'Congrats on an epic career Mitch,' Titmus wrote in response to Larkin's news.

'Congratulations on a phenomenal career,' Australian swimming legend Grant Hackett added.

'Incredible career. Looking forward to seeing what's next,' Mack Horton posted.

Larkin also won seven gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in what was a decorated career in the pool.

In 2018, Larkin's partner at the time Emily Seebohm claimed he was cheating on her, with the sporting couple going their separate ways after she 'saw messages' that made her allege he'd been unfaithful. 

Larking categorically denied the accusation - with the swimmers forced to divide up the house they shared together at the time.

'Oh, we still have to see each other because we're on the same [swimming] team, but it's just silence whenever we're around each other,' Seebhom said after the split.

'We have a mutual agreement never to talk to each other again. Never talk, and never look at each other. It works out pretty well to be honest.'