Horton’s journey in swimming started young. His most memorable achievement is winning gold in the 400m freestyle at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He has also been awarded the Nicole Livingstone trophy as the 2017/18 Victorian Swimmer of the Year and the John Marshall trophy for his freestyle performances.

Challenges and Influences

In 2015, Horton caught a virus caused by a parasitic bug at the World Championships in Kazan, affecting his performance. Despite this, he secured a bronze medal in the 800m freestyle. His family and coach Craig Jackson have been significant influences in his career, alongside his idol, Australian swimmer Grant Hackett.

Recent Developments

In October 2021, Horton changed coaches from Craig Jackson to Michael Bohl at Griffith University. This move was motivated by his desire to try something new as he approaches the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Horton competed in the heats of the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, earning a bronze medal despite not feeling he deserved it due to his performance.

Controversies and Public Speaking

Horton made headlines at the 2019 World Championships by refusing to stand on the podium with Chinese swimmer Sun Yang, who was awaiting a hearing over a possible anti-doping violation. This act led to a warning letter from FINA. Outside of swimming, Horton engages in public speaking for sports promotion projects like 'Olympics Unleashed' and supports water safety campaigns such as Keep Watch.

Hobbies and Personal Philosophy

Horton enjoys surfing, sailing, and spending time with friends and family. His sporting philosophy is focused on self-improvement: "I focus on being the best swimmer that I can be, and at the end of the day, it's really me versus myself." This mindset underscores his approach to both training and competition.

As Horton continues his career, he remains a prominent figure in Australian swimming, balancing his athletic pursuits with public speaking and advocacy work.