Double world champion Becky James retires aged 25
Thursday 17 August 2017 13:22, UK
Double world champion Becky James has retired from cycling at the age of just 25.
At the World Championships in 2013, James won the sprint and keirin titles before going on to take silver in the same events at the Olympics in Rio last year.
The Welsh athlete had taken an extended break after Rio and has now decided to end her professional cycling career.
She said in a statement: "I have given cycling 100 per cent and know how much commitment it takes to make it to the highest level in elite sport.
"The pressure of competing at the top can be mentally and physically draining but the rewards have been incredible and I have absolutely no regrets."
James first represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 winning both a silver and bronze medal.
The track sprinter has had to deal with multiple injuries during her career. She suffered a serious knee injury in 2014 and also had a cancer scare before she won two medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
James will now enter a new chapter of her life and has decided to set up a baking business.
James added: "For a long time I've had a passion for baking and have loved making special wedding and birthday cakes for friends and family.
"I've had great feedback from those who've enjoyed my cakes or seen my Instagram and it's my intention to now pursue this passion as a business, along with some exciting other projects going forward."
