Archery: Alison Williamson retires after glittering career
Olympic bronze medallist Alison Williamson has announced her retirement from archery at the age of 42.
Last Updated: 23/04/14 6:37am
The former world No 1 took part in six summer Olympics, the last being London 2012, and won individual bronze in Athens in 2004.
She also claimed individual and team silver medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Williamson, who is a primary school teacher, was awarded an MBE in 2012 for her services to the sport.
She will maintain a link with archery at grassroots level, working with Energize in the Midlands to promote Olympic values and introduce youngsters to the sport.
"I just couldn't continue to dedicate the hours needed to be competing at the top level anymore," Williamson said.
"It has been an amazing journey. The sport has been a part of my life since I was six years old and has taken me to places, and introduced me to people, that I would not have had the pleasure of in any other profession.
"But I put my teaching career on hold to represent my country at various events across the globe and now the time is right to just concentrate on the day job.
"I am so grateful to all the coaches, team mates, family and friends who have helped me achieve so much in sport. Without their support over the years there wouldn't be the medals, titles and certainly not six Olympics."
