Davenport announces retirement

Former double Commonwealth champion Ross Davenport has announced his retirement from swimming.

The three-time Olympian made his debut for Great Britain at the World Championships in Barcelona in 2003 as part of the 4x200m relay team and went on to win four Commonwealth medals, including individual gold in the 200m freestyle in Melbourne in 2006 - an event he cites as a highlight of his career.

Davenport, who swam at Loughborough University for nine years, is sad to be hanging up his goggles but said the time is right for a change.

"It has been a privilege and honour to represent my country in a sport that I love," he said. "But it is time to move on.

"I still want to stay involved in sport and I am currently coaching in the City of Derby, where I trained for many years as a youngster, and also working for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust which aims to inspire and motivate disengaged young people to better themselves, so I will definitely be keeping busy."

National performance director Michael Scott said of the 28-year-old: "I would like to thank Ross for his significant contribution to the national team, including strong leadership qualities over the years.

"He has had a successful career for Great Britain and England on the Olympic, world and Commonwealth stage, playing a key role in the British relay teams and winning individual gold at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne."