Stephanie Rice Twitter Post: What did Stephanie Rice Do? Is Stephanie Rice Married? What Happened to Stephanie Rice? What is Stephanie Rice Doing Now?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Sep 30, 2023
Who is Stephanie Rice?
Stephanie Rice is a renowned Australian former competitive swimmer who achieved significant success during her career. She garnered worldwide recognition for her remarkable performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, where she clinched three gold medals. These victories solidified her status as one of Australia's most accomplished and celebrated athletes. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the sport of swimming, Stephanie Rice was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia on 26 January 2009, highlighting her outstanding achievements on the global stage.
However, after a successful and illustrious swimming career, Stephanie Rice announced her retirement from professional swimming on 9 April 2014. Her decision marked the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in Australian and international swimming history, leaving a lasting legacy as a multi-Olympic gold medalist and a respected figure in the world of sports.
Name
Stephanie Rice
Nickname(s)
"Steph"
National Team
Australia
Born
17 June 1988
Born Place
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Age
35
Height
1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Weight
67 kg (148 lb)
Sport
Swimming
Strokes
Medley, freestyle, butterfly
Club
St Peters Western
Coach
Michael Bohl
Marital Status
Unmarried
Specifications
Details
Stephanie Rice Twitter Post: What did Stephanie Rice Do?
In 2010, Stephanie Rice, an Olympic gold medalist and accomplished swimmer from Australia, found herself at the center of a significant controversy due to a highly offensive tweet she posted on her Twitter account. This tweet led to a dramatic turn in her career and personal life.
The controversial tweet occurred after the Beijing Olympics when Stephanie Rice was enjoying a high point in her career. In her tweet, she celebrated the victory of the Australian rugby team, the Wallabies, over South Africa by using a homophobic slur directed at the opposing team. The tweet read: "suck on that f-----ts." This derogatory language immediately drew widespread condemnation and backlash from the public and various individuals, including former Australian rugby league player Ian Roberts, who is openly gay.
Ian Roberts, upon learning of Rice's offensive tweet, publicly criticized her, calling her an "idiot." He expressed his disappointment and called out anyone who continued to support her as an athlete. This incident garnered significant national attention due to its offensive nature and the involvement of prominent figures like Ian Roberts.
Recognizing the gravity of her actions and the harm caused by her tweet, Stephanie Rice issued a public apology at a press conference. She tearfully expressed her remorse and stated, "I owe it to those who I have offended to publicly say I am sorry." Rice went on to explain that she did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings and acknowledged that her choice of words was "careless and thoughtless." She described the incident as the "worst time" in her career, acknowledging the negative impact it had on her reputation.
As a consequence of her offensive tweet, Stephanie Rice faced professional repercussions as well. Her sponsor, Jaguar, decided to sever ties with her, further affecting her career and financial prospects.
In recent times, Stephanie Rice has revisited this controversy, acknowledging the profound impact it had on her life. In a teaser for an upcoming season of the show SAS, she reflected on the incident and its consequences, recognizing that it significantly changed the trajectory of her life. Winning three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics had been the pinnacle of her career, but the offensive tweet in 2010 marked a turning point that she continues to grapple with.
In summary, Stephanie Rice's controversial Twitter post in 2010 involved her using a homophobic slur in a celebratory tweet directed at an opposing rugby team. This tweet led to severe backlash, public condemnation, a tearful apology, professional repercussions, and a lasting impact on her career and personal life.
Stephanie Rice Career
Stephanie Rice had an illustrious career as an Australian competitive swimmer, marked by numerous accomplishments and world records. Her journey began with notable successes at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
In the 2006 Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne, Australia, Rice emerged as a gold medalist in the 200-meter individual medley, showcasing her talent by defeating accomplished Olympians Brooke Hanson and Lara Carroll. She also clinched victory in the 400-meter individual medley during the same event.
At the 2007 Melbourne World Championships, Rice continued to excel, earning a bronze medal in the 200-meter individual medley, breaking the Australian record in the process. She also secured a bronze in the 400-meter individual medley, setting a new personal best time.
Throughout 2007, Rice consistently improved her performance, edging closer to breaking the 4:40 barrier in the 400-meter individual medley. At the 2007 Japanese Open Championships, she not only smashed her personal best by 3.61 seconds but also set a new Australian and Commonwealth record of 4:37.18.
However, it was in 2008 that Stephanie Rice achieved remarkable milestones. At the Australian Olympic trials, she broke world records in both the 400- and 200-meter individual medleys, solidifying her status as a world-class swimmer. She then went on to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she earned three gold medals, each in world record time, in the 200- and 400-meter individual medley events and the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. Her victories included reclaiming the world record in the 400-meter individual medley, becoming the first woman to break the 4:30 mark in that event.
Rice continued her career, participating in the 2009 World Championships, where she captured a silver medal in the 200-meter individual medley and retained her 400-meter individual medley record. She competed in the 2011 World Aquatics Championships, securing a bronze in the 400-meter individual medley.
Despite facing challenges, including shoulder surgeries, Rice competed at the 2012 Olympics in London before ultimately announcing her retirement in April 2014. Her career was characterized by world records, multiple gold medals, and a lasting legacy in Australian and international swimming. Her personal bests of 2:07:03 in the 200-meter individual medley and 4:29:45 in the 400-meter individual medley stand as testaments to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
Stephanie Rice Family and Early Life
Stephanie Rice, born on 17 June 1988 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, hails from a family marked by divorce and blended relationships. She is the daughter of Raelene Clark and Warren Rice. As a result of her parents' divorce, Stephanie has two half-siblings, which may have added unique dynamics to her family life during her upbringing.
During her high school years in Brisbane, Queensland, Stephanie Rice attended Clayfield College. This educational background likely played a significant role in shaping her early life, providing the foundation for her academic and athletic pursuits. Growing up in Brisbane, she would have been exposed to the vibrant culture and opportunities the city has to offer, which could have contributed to her interest in competitive swimming and her later achievements in the sport. Stephanie Rice's family and early life provided the backdrop for her journey to becoming a celebrated Australian athlete.
Stephanie Rice Relationships
As of 2023, Stephanie Rice, appears to be single, but her dating history has been marked by relationships with notable figures in the sporting world. One of her well-known relationships was with fellow Australian Olympic swimmer Eamon Sullivan. Their relationship spanned from 2006 to 2008.
However, just before they both headed to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, they decided to part ways. Sullivan described the break-up as a "mutual decision" aimed at allowing them to focus entirely on their Olympic preparations. Despite the split, they remained friends and expressed no regrets about their time together.
Following her split with Sullivan, Rice briefly dated Australian Rugby Union player Quade Cooper from 2010 to 2011. However, the relationship lasted just over 12 months, and it was confirmed through a statement from Rice's representative that they had decided to part ways. The statement emphasized that Stephanie Rice would be dedicating herself fully to her Olympic preparation.
Throughout her career, Rice has been the subject of speculation regarding her dating life, often linked to high-profile names. There were rumors about her dating US Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The New York Post even reported that they were seen kissing at a nightclub. Despite the rumors, Rice and Phelps posed together for a Speedo photo-call, and Rice spoke positively about meeting someone of Phelps' caliber, praising his character and physique.
Stephanie Rice's relationships have often been in the public eye, given her status as a prominent athlete. While her current relationship status is single, her past associations with fellow athletes and high-profile individuals have garnered significant attention over the years.
Stephanie Rice Net Worth
Stephanie Rice Net Worth is estimated at $1 million to $5 million. Her primary source of income throughout her career has been related to her involvement in professional swimming and associated activities. As an accomplished competitive swimmer, Stephanie Rice earned income from sponsorships, endorsements, and competitive prize money. Her success at the Olympics and other major swimming events likely led to lucrative sponsorships and endorsement deals.
Rice has made appearances on television shows and in the media, which may have contributed to her income. Her participation in reality TV series, such as SAS, could also be a source of income. Over the years, Rice has been associated with various brands and products, which could have generated income through endorsement deals.
Stephanie Rice Age
As of 2023, Stephanie Rice is 35 years old. Her remarkable achievement of winning three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics showcased her exceptional talent, dedication, and ability to perform under immense pressure. Her success at such a prestigious sporting event serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, proving that hard work and commitment can lead to achieving one's dreams.
Despite facing challenges, including injuries and surgeries, Rice continued to pursue her passion for swimming and competed at the highest levels. Her resilience in overcoming setbacks serves as a motivating example of perseverance and determination. After retiring from competitive swimming, Rice transitioned into coaching, passing on her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of swimmers.
Stephanie Rice Physical Attributes
Stephanie Rice stands at a height of 1.76 meters (approximately 5 feet 9 inches), which is notably tall and advantageous for a competitive swimmer. Her height provides her with a long and streamlined physique, ideal for efficient movement through the water. She maintains a healthy weight of 67 kilograms (approximately 148 pounds), which is proportionate to her height and necessary for optimal performance in the pool.
Her weight likely reflects a combination of lean muscle mass and low body fat percentage, typical of elite swimmers. Rice's physical attributes also include a strong and well-toned physique, a prerequisite for excelling in the demanding sport of swimming. Her training and conditioning would have contributed to her muscular and athletic build.
Is Stephanie Rice Married?
As of 2023, Stephanie Rice is not married. Despite having a history of dating several individuals in the past, she has not publicly announced any marriage plans. Currently, there is no information or confirmation regarding her being in a public relationship or engaged to be married. Stephanie Rice's marital status remains unmarried as of the present year.
What Happened to Stephanie Rice?
After achieving Olympic success in Beijing, Stephanie Rice's career took a nosedive due to a 2010 tweet where she used a homophobic slur to celebrate the Wallabies' victory. The tweet drew widespread condemnation and led to her apologizing tearfully, acknowledging her offense and the thoughtlessness of her words. She lost her sponsorship with Jaguar as a result. Recently, in a teaser for SAS, she reflected on how the tweet drastically altered her life, despite the high of winning three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.
What is Stephanie Rice Doing Now?
Stephanie Rice, now 35 years old, has ventured into reality television with her participation in the upcoming series SAS, set to air in October. This isn't her first foray into Australian TV, as she previously won Celebrity Apprentice in 2013. Following her retirement from competitive swimming in 2014, Rice worked as a coach in the United States. In 2021, she posted an emotional video reflecting on her transition from swimming after the Tokyo Olympics, discussing the challenges she faced with mental health during this period. She expressed that, after considerable self-work, she now feels genuinely happy and content.
Stephanie Rice Twitter Post - FAQs
In 2010, Stephanie Rice, an Olympic gold medalist and accomplished swimmer from Australia, found herself at the center of a significant controversy due to a highly offensive tweet she posted on her Twitter account. This tweet led to a dramatic turn in her career and personal life.
As of 2023, Stephanie Rice is not married. Despite having a history of dating several individuals in the past, she has not publicly announced any marriage plans. Currently, there is no information or confirmation regarding her being in a public relationship or engaged to be married. Stephanie Rice's marital status remains unmarried as of the present year.
After achieving Olympic success in Beijing, Stephanie Rice's career took a nosedive due to a 2010 tweet where she used a homophobic slur to celebrate the Wallabies' victory. The tweet drew widespread condemnation and led to her apologizing tearfully, acknowledging her offense and the thoughtlessness of her words. She lost her sponsorship with Jaguar as a result. Recently, in a teaser for SAS, she reflected on how the tweet drastically altered her life, despite the high of winning three gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.
Stephanie Rice, now 35 years old, has ventured into reality television with her participation in the upcoming series SAS, set to air in October. This isn't her first foray into Australian TV, as she previously won Celebrity Apprentice in 2013. Following her retirement from competitive swimming in 2014, Rice worked as a coach in the United States. In 2021, she posted an emotional video reflecting on her transition from swimming after the Tokyo Olympics, discussing the challenges she faced with mental health during this period. She expressed that, after considerable self-work, she now feels genuinely happy and content.
Stephanie Rice achieved significant recognition in swimming, including three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and multiple world records in individual medley events.