Double European champion Dan Keatings has announced his retirement from gymnastics, having first stepped onto the mat at just five years of age.
The 27-year-old has decided to step away from his competitive career after representing Great Britain and Scotland at the highest level, including the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games as well as multiple World and European Championships.
Keatings first pulled on the British vest seven years after taking up the sport, before going on to represent Scotland at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
A year later, he won the first of his seven European medals with silver on the pommel horse, before twice going on to top the podium on the same apparatus in 2010 and 2013 – the former being Great Britain's first ever gold medal at a major championships.
In 2009, he won World silver, before going on to win three medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“After much consideration, I have decided to call time on my competitive gymnastics career,” Keatings said on Twitter.
“I’ve had a long and successful career but I have only achieved what I have achieved due to the support from my family, coaches, teammates and the many friends I have made on my journey.
“Most of all I would like to thank my fans for supporting me through not only the good but also the many difficult periods in my career.
“I feel really lucky to have represented Great Britain and Scotland at the highest level and I take away with me so many great memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I’ll certainly miss the many friends I have made from all over the world.
“Gymnastics will always be a part of me but for now, I need to kick back, eat a few takeaways, drink some beers and spend some time with the wife.”
Sportsbeat 2017