Olympic bronze medallist Nile Wilson says gymnastics gave him experiences he could only have dreamed of after announcing his retirement from the sport at the age of 24.
Wilson’s career highlight came at the Rio 2016 when he etched his name in the history books as the first Team GB gymnast to win an Olympic medal on the horizontal bar – a brilliant routine seeing him take bronze behind Fabian Hambüchen of Germany and American Danell Leyva.
The Leeds native also helped Great Britain win a first-ever team silver at the 2015 World Championships, was crowned European champion on the horizontal bar a year later and won five gold, three silver and one bronze medal across two Commonwealth Games.
The 24-year-old underwent surgery on his neck in February 2019 to correct a bulging disc that was causing him arm pain and hadn’t competed in an elite event since.
Announcing his retirement on Instagram, Wilson said: “Today I hang up my hand guards and retire from the professional sport of gymnastics. ‘Gymnastics’ you are the best sport in the world!
“You’re my 1st love, my addiction, you set me free, you gave me purpose and you gave me experiences I could not even have dreamed of!
“Unfortunately my body just couldn’t keep up..& that’s okay. It is my time to move on & I can’t wait for the next chapter.”
In addition to his historic bronze at the Rio Olympic Games, Wilson also qualified for the all-around final – finishing eighth – and helped Team GB come fourth in the team event.
And as he prepares for the next chapter, he hopes his gymnastics career can provide inspiration for others to also follow their dream.
“Everyone that has watched, supported or found inspiration from my gymnastics, thank you so much,” added Wilson.
“I was a young boy with a dream. With a hell of a lot of work & belief I am living proof that you can achieve anything you want in this life.”