Olympic silver medallist Wendy Houvenaghel has announced her retirement from cycling after pulling out of the Commonwealth Games with injury.
The 29-year-old won individual pursuit silver at Beijing 2008 and is also a three-time team pursuit world champion.
Houvenaghel had hoped to represent Northern Ireland at Glasgow 2014 but sustained a back injury in training and was forced to withdraw.
And while she admitted it was a tough decision, missing out on the Commonwealth Games appears to have forced her hand as she opted to call it a day.
"It is never easy to make the final decision to end one's sporting career," Houvenaghel said.
"It is disappointing to have to withdraw from competition at the Commonwealth Games, however, I would like to wish my Northern Irish team-mates every success with their performances in Glasgow.
"In the future, I hope to put something back into the sport but for now I am looking forward to pursuing my career in dentistry."
© Sportsbeat 2014