Triple Olympic champion Andrew Triggs Hodge has called time on his distinguished rowing career after 15 medal-winning years on the world stage.
At 37, Triggs Hodge is one of Britain’s most decorated rowers and won three Olympic gold medals for Team GB at three consecutive Games – culminating in last year’s men’s eight win in Rio.
Triggs Hodge is a member of Molesey Boat Club, having graduated from the Oxford University Boat Club and going on to win four world titles, three world silver medals and one bronze.
He also won a European gold medal in 2014, in what was his signature event – the coxless four.
Two of his Olympic titles and three of his World Championships came in the event, with the three world silver medals each being won in the coxless pair.
The rower announced his retirement in a lengthy statement on social media thanking, most notably, his coach Jurgen Grobler, his “brother in arms” Peter Reed, his parents and the National Lottery.
“I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the chance to get involved, and had the attributes to succeed, in this wonderful sport,” he said.
“Rowing is a world of hard working individuals that thrive in a team environment. I feel fortunate to have been part of such a great community of people who get the best from themselves and encourage the best from those around them.
“At London 2012 we proved we weren't a one hit wonder. Everything changed for Rio 2016, a year out through illness and a repositioning within the team, it was the race that delivered so much.
“With the impending delivery of our second child, the security of an exciting job and the feeling that my body was getting to the end of its athletic life, Rio was a fitting way to complete my Olympic journey and end my career in rowing.
“Life is never a straight and simple trajectory, the skill I learnt is to enjoy the twists and turns it presents. Then you'll see the real beauty of life. This is what Rio encapsulates for me so poignantly.”
And with his rowing career now over, Hodge is moving on to the next stage of his life – which primarily involves a step back to his days in education.
“I am getting back to what I enjoyed before rowing took over my life, the environment,” he added. “I have a great opportunity to put together my education in the environment and water, my experiences in recreation, all wrapped up in Thames Tideway Tunnel.
“I'm playing my small part in helping to reconnect Londoners with the River Thames.” Sportsbeat 2017