Freestyle skier Rowan Cheshire has announced her retirement from the sport after admitting her body and mind can't keep up with the pace of it anymore.
The 24-year-old made history in Calgary when she became the first British female skier to win a halfpipe competition at an FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup event in 2014.
But after struggling to recover from a series of concussions throughout her career, Cheshire has decided to explore further endeavours, including a degree in sport and business management at Manchester Metropolitan University.
“I feel so privileged to have spent the last nine years pursuing the crazy sport that I love,” Britain’s most successful Olympic halfpipe skier said.
“But my body and mind just can’t cope with it anymore and I have enjoyed exploring different avenues this year during my rehabilitation.
“The synergy between your body and mind - particularly when competing in professional sport - has to be seamless and for me, that has been the most interesting part of this decision.
“If my mind’s not up to the task then I could potentially put myself in a dangerous position out there on the mount.”
A former Junior World Championship bronze medallist, Cheshire competed at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and finished seventh in the halfpipe discipline, four years after she had to withdraw following an injury in the build up to Sochi 2014.
“I’d like to thank my coaches Pat and Jamie, my family, the National Lottery, The British Olympic Association, GB Snowsport and UK Sport for their on-going support and of course, every fan who watched me compete and helped motivate and inspire me to succeed,” added Cheshire.
“Being a part of Team GB at the Winter Olympics was a dream come true and I’m so grateful I was given the opportunity to compete.
“I hope in the future I can inspire people to take up sport, achieve their goals, find their passion and recognise the positive impact physical activity can have on your mental health.” Sportsbeat 2020