AFTER three Olympics and four Paralympic campaigns, Hamilton’s Milly Tapper has called time on her illustrious career.

The 34-year-old announced her retirement on Friday and told The Spectator on Tuesday the main emotion was happiness.

“It was probably a lot more happiness more than anything, I am excited to be taking on a new challenge,” she said.

“It was really nice, on the day I put it out I was sitting in the backyard with my husband and we were going over the big moments over my career.

“Putting it out there, it wasn’t sadness, just more happiness to be able to come to the end on my terms.”

Having had a career many could only dream of, representing Hamilton on the world stage, Tapper said she had prepared for the end and had no regrets.

“It has been a dream really, I have been very lucky to have the opportunities, the people I’ve met and the opportunity to travel the world,” she said.

“I think I was 14 when I went on my first overseas trip

“And to be able to have that as a career is pretty special for me

“I wouldn’t say any regrets, it all played out the way it was supposed to, I took every opportunity I was given and created some additional ones

“To be able to have such longevity in the sport and finish up the way I did is really special.”

Tapper had announced Paris would be her Olympic and Paralympic swansong, eventually qualifying for the latter only, but a discussion with her coach ensured she continued on for the rest of the year.

The former Monivae College student said there were two more events to contest after Paris before hanging up the table tennis bat.

“At the staging camp for the Olympics, I sat down with the head coach and he had two more events he was keen for me to compete at,” she said.

“I was in New Zealand for Oceania Championships then a couple of weeks ago I got back from China where I played the Mixed World Team Cup.

“My close teammates knew I would be finishing up after those.”

Getting to finish on her own terms was not lost on the local, acknowledging how special it was to call time when she determined.

“It is a very select few have the privilege to do it that way, to finish on a high still at the top, for me that is very special,” she said.

“My head and my body could probably keep going, but I think the heart doesn’t have as much give as it used to.

“I have got a coaching opportunity coming my way at the beginning of next year, so that will be the next sort of challenge.

“Having a little bit more consistency, I won’t be having such long stints away, but I am kind of looking forward to working with the younger pathways in Australia and having an impact there.”

Asked for her career highlights, Tapper singled out a 2018 event and a 2024 event as the standouts.

“Probably the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, that for me was the highlight, getting to win gold and having my family in the stands particular my nieces and nephews,” she said.

“Paris was also really special, I have been in a different frame of mind this year, it is the first time I’ve been so present with everything, I knew the end was coming and Paris was a fantastic end to my Olympic career.”

With some downtime over the next few weeks, Tapper will spend some time in Port Fairy before having Christmas with her family, and said it was weird not having to pack table tennis gear for the trip.

“To be honest when we were packing our bags, it is the first time we have never had to pack our table tennis gear and bats, and it is a really nice feeling knowing we are just packing the holiday gear,” she said.

“When the next Olympics roll around, I might have some feelings about wanting to be there, but I don’t think they will last long.”

Tapper also hoped her career would encourage other locals to pursue their dreams.

“If you can influence it that kind of way, it is awesome, I don’t think any country kid should limit themselves,” she said.

“If I can definitely try to shift the mindset that champions come from the country, if they’re able to have a real good crack, then it is always definitely possible.

“The list of people to thank would go on forever, obviously The Spectator and the Hamilton community, anyone who has followed along and given congratulations to me through my family.

“I have always felt very supported by Hamilton, so I am grateful for everyone’s support, but mostly my family.”