Nova radio host and Olympic legend Susie O’Neill quits live on air

Olympic legend and Brisbane Nova radio host Susie O’Neill has announced her departure from radio live on air after more than a decade on the airwaves.

O’Neill delivered the news on Friday morning, saying the decision “wasn’t easy” and came “with a heavy heart”.

The 51-year-old competed in three Olympic Games during her swimming career, winning eight medals, including gold medals in the 200m butterfly in 1996 and the 200m freestyle in 2000, earning her the nickname “Madame Butterfly”.

She first joined the Nova 106.9 team in 2013, moving to the breakfast show with, Ash, Luttsy and Susie O’Neill, in 2016, and said it was hard for her to “articulate” exactly why she is now leaving after more than 10 years on air.

“(Thank you) to Ash and Luttsy for bringing me into your world and life a bit over 10 years ago now, when I pretty much had nothing going on in my life to be honest,” O’Neill said after making the emotional announcement on Friday.

“I joked that it saved my life at the time, but it came at a really good time for me.”

The 51-year-old broke down in tears describing the support she had received over the years from her co-hosts, including when she first joined the breakfast team.

“I was horrible at radio, and I’d be upset and say, ‘I can’t do it,’ and you’d both say, ‘no, just keep going, just keep going’, and for a lot of the time it has been more than just a job.

“I actually do have some hard times in my life, even though it seems like I live a pretty good life, but when I’ve had really hard times I’ve known that I can come in here, just be myself and be present and enjoy it, and you’d tell me you don’t even have to say anything, just sit there.”

O’Neill said in a statement after the announcement that turning 50 last year had been a turning point.

“It is hard for me to articulate exactly why I’m leaving. I think, turning 50 last year, I realised I’m at a whole new stage in my life. Our kids have grown up, and I just feel the next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally,” she said.

“I feel like I want to get back to the grassroots of sport, and to involve myself more in the wider community.”

O’Neill thanked her listeners, saying they were who she would miss the most.

“I’ve loved my time with you and nothing pleases me more than when one of you comes up and recount a story I have shared on air,” she said.

“You are the reason we get up at the crack of dawn, so thank you for the hundreds of wonderful memories.”

Her last day on air was announced as November 28.