Two-time Olympic silver medallist Richard Hounslow has announced his retirement from canoeing, more than 20 years after first stepping into the boat.
Hounslow, who won silver at both London 2012 and Rio 2016 in the C2 with David Florence, originally started his life in the boat as a kayaker, finishing fourth in the K1 at the 2007 World Championships, before medalling the following year in the World Cup series.
In 2009, he became one of the first slalom canoeists to contend in both the men’s K1 and C2 with Florence, competing in both disciplines at the home Olympic Games three years later.
He retired from K1 in September 2015 to pay full attention to his C2 ambitions in Rio, and the hard work paid off when he and Florence landed a second silver last summer – the only men’s boat across the three events to retain a place on the Olympic podium.
“I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone involved in helping me live my dream,” said the 35-year-old.
“It has been a true honour to represent Great Britain at the highest level and I look forward to cheering on British Canoeing and Team GB in the future.”
Canoe slalom head coach, Paul Ratcliffe, said: “Richard has made a massive impact in canoe slalom both at British and international level and has been one of only a handful of athletes to successfully double up and compete in multiple events at Olympic level, which in two different boats is no mean feat.
“He has been a consummate professional throughout and his partnership with David Florence has been second to none.
“With a C2 World Championship title and two back to back Olympic silver medals the highlights, he is one of GB’s most decorates athletes of all time, and a great role model for our aspiring youngsters.” Sportsbeat 2017