Cate Campbell wished for the fairytale ending, but says her illustrious Olympic career finishes in peace and with love.
The four-time gold medallist has failed in her bid to become the first Australian to swim at five Olympics.
"I came back to try something that no one has done before," Campbell said.
"And, by God, I gave it a really good crack."
The 32-year-old finished seventh in the women's 50m freestyle at Australia's Olympic selection trials on Saturday night in Brisbane.
Only the top two place-getters -- Shayna Jack and Meg Harris -- will race the event at the Paris Games starting on July 26.
Campbell, after missing qualifying for the 100m freestyle final by one-hundredth of a second on Friday night, ends her Olympic career with four gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
"It's bittersweet," she said.
"I had hoped for the fairytale ending and it's what I had worked for and what I felt I was capable of, and unfortunately my body just said no.
"I came out and I gave it everything. I wasn't going to throw in the towel, pardon the pun ... unfortunately it wasn't meant to be."
Campbell, who was Australia's joint flag-bearer at the Tokyo Olympics of 2021, raced her first swim competition about 20 years ago at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, where her storied career ends.
"I started in the sport because I was a little girl who loved swimming, I did, I loved it more than anything else,'' she said.
"And over the years that love has been tried and tested and that relationship has been pushed to its absolute limits and its breaking point.
"I walked out tonight and I remembered that little girl who walked out behind those blocks for the first time and I remembered the joy and the love that I have for this sport.
"And I can leave the pool with peace and with love, which is a beautiful place to be."
Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor hopes Campbell isn't lost to the sport.
"Her contribution is immense," Taylor said.
"Her presence on the team, her leadership, her poise, who she is as a person, is probably the key thing, and her legacy in swimming is undeniable.
"Just a real consistent person with a great nature who will hopefully stay involved ... and help develop the next group coming through."
Australia will announce its swim team for the Paris Olympics after the final event of the trials later on Saturday night.