Dara Torres lingered in the water after the other swimmers had climbed out of the pool. Her long career was finally over. She wanted to soak up the moment as long as possible. The 45-year-old Torres came up short in her bid to make it to the Olympics for a sixth time. She finished fourth in the final of the 50-meter freestyle Monday night, her only event at the U.S. swimming trials. Torres retires with 12 medals, tied with Jenny Thompson as the most decorated U.S. female swimmer.

Unathletic has to give respect to Dara Torres for such a great career. She was an elite swimmer for a long time. She’s also a ripped mom.

Hit the jump to check out a farewell gallery…