Two-time Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee has announced his retirement from the sport.
Brownlee won gold at London 2012 before winning again in Rio four years later – becoming the first triathlete in Olympic history to successfully defend their crown.
“It’s time to close this chapter,” the 36-year-old wrote in a series of posts explaining his decision on social media.
He said it was a moment he had approached “with both dread and excitement in equal measure”.
The sport, he said, had “profoundly shaped” his life, allowing him to fulfil his childhood dream and achieve “far more than I ever dared to imagine”.
He said he was “happy and content, eager for what lies ahead”.
“I find myself smiling because it happened, rather than crying because it’s over (to paraphrase Dr. Seuss),” he wrote.
Brownlee celebrates after taking gold in the men’s triathlon at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Pic: Reuters
The Yorkshireman – who was also crowned world champion in 2009 and 2011 – competed alongside his brother Jonny, two years his junior, at elite level.
Jonny took bronze in London and finished narrowly behind Alistair in Brazil.
The following month, Alistair helped his sibling over the finish line at the Triathlon World Series event in Mexico after he’d started to wobble on the home straight.
Jonny was leading the race when his legs started to give way but Alistair, who was in third position at the time, supported him for the final 700m.
He helped Jonny finish ahead of him in second place.
Replying to his brother’s Instagram post, Jonny thanked him for showing that “a lad from Yorkshire who eats fish and chips can beat everyone in the world”.
He told his older brother he had been “an inspiration” who “forged a path that many (including myself) followed”.
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Brownlee brothers celebrate success in Rio
Brownlee said he is now looking forward to “a slightly slower pace of life, yet not too slow”.
“There’s an exciting array of events, challenges, and adventures awaiting me – things I’ve always wanted to have a crack at but haven’t had the chance to pursue.
“For me, sport has always been a personal journey of exploration, and I’m excited to try some new challenges. Feel free to make suggestions below.”
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He added: “First, I have many wonderful people to thank and some well-deserved relaxation to embrace.
“In the coming months, I’ll share more about my career and the incredible individuals who have been part of my journey, along with the new and exciting challenges and projects I’m eager to tackle.
“I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your contributions, no matter how small you may believe they are.
“Your support means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Brownlee has also won the titles junior world champion, U23 world champion and European champion.