TWO-times Olympic silver medallist Jazz Carlin has this morning confirmed her retirement from swimming at the age of 28.
The Swindon-born Olympian scooped silver in the 400m and 800m freestyle at the 2016 games hosted in Rio De Janeiro.
But she has since struggled with illness, and last was diagnosed with pneumonia – ending any hopes of a fresh career in open-water swimming.
Her retirement signals the end of a glittering 13-year international career, which resulted in three Commonwealth Games appearances and one Olympic Games.
Carlin said: “Open water gave me a new love for the sport, but after my injuries and illness it was just too tough to stay fit and healthy,” added Carlin.
“I knew I wasn’t going to be at my best for next year and I was still learning the open-water but the physicality of it didn’t really come natural to me.
“It feels like the right time to finish. It will still be difficult watching the Olympics next year because deep down I still want to be a part of it, but the time has come to stand back and support everybody else.”
More reaction to come throughout the day.
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