Olympic gold medallist Ed McKeever retires from canoe sprint
Monday 20 February 2017 10:42, UK
Olympic gold medallist Ed McKeever has announced his retirement from the sport of canoe sprint.
McKeever, who triumphed in the men's single kayak over 200m at London 2012, missed out on retaining his Olympic title in Rio last year.
The 33-year-old from Bradford on Avon, known as the 'Usain Bolt of the water', calls time on a career which spanned 17 years.
"Competing and winning a gold medal at a home Olympic Games in front of thousands of British fans is something that will live with me for the rest of my life", said McKeever, who has also claimed titles at world and European level.
"Very few people get that opportunity so I am extremely grateful for all the support.
"The memory that stands out for me was standing on top of the podium and singing along with the national anthem, especially knowing that my friends and family were there watching."
McKeever's Olympic triumph was recognised in the 2013 Queen's New Year Honours list after he was awarded an MBE.
