GB rower Jess Eddie says she has achieved 'everything she wanted to' after calling time on a 16-year career at the top of her sport.
The 34-year-old represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games and formed an integral part of the women’s eight that secured a silver medal in Rio.
The Durham-born rower featured at 12 World Championships, winning two bronzes on the path to Olympic glory.
The European silver medallist revealed that now was the perfect time to begin a new chapter in her life.
“I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute of it and feel like I have achieved everything I wanted to," she said.
“I'm a European champion, Olympic silver medallist, and having won every domestic title possible, there is nothing, I feel, that remains to be achieved.
“I’m at a point in my life now where I want to take the next step in my career, which is why I’ve taken the decision to retire from international rowing.
“It’s a sad decision for me but, having recently completed my Masters at the V&A, I’m excited to now focus on forging a new career in the arts and design world, which I have been passionate about for a long while.”
Finishing fifth at consecutive Olympic Games, Eddie finally gained Olympic glory in 2016 and helped make history as the first GB women’s eight to ever reach the rostrum.
Following her retirement, Eddie thanked the efforts of her teammates and staff for helping her to achieve her sporting ambitions.
She said: “None of this, though, would have been possible without my incredible crew mates and the team behind us, who have supported me every step of the way.
“As rowers on the GB Rowing Team we are incredibly privileged to get the support we do, and I want to thank everyone who has made it all possible for me.
“I very much plan on staying within rowing and continue to enjoy my regular paddles on the Tideway.
“I’ll be supporting the current GB Rowing Team, as they build towards their biggest moment at Tokyo 2020.”
Paul Thompson, British Rowing Chief Coach for Women, said: “Jess brought drive, dedication, perseverance and an abundance of passion to the sport she loves.
“She was a well-respected athlete and leader with great character, who fulfilled an important role as a Rower Representative within the GB Rowing Team for many years.
“These attributes made her an incredible role model for rowers and women in sport.
“I wish Jess all the best as she moves into the art world and onto other projects.”
Sportsbeat 2018