Tokyo Olympics: Rio medallist Sophie Hitchon retires from athletics just two months before Games

Olympic medallist Sophie Hitchon has retired from athletics just two months before the Games in Tokyo.

The 29-year-old took bronze in the hammer throw at Rio 2016 for Britain’s first female field medal since Fatima Whitbread’s javelin silver in 1988. 

She has since struggled for form and had only competed three times since 2018 before calling time on her career.

Hitchon – who also won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – said: ‘It has not been a decision I have taken lightly, but I am satisfied it’s right for me at this time and I’m leaving the sport on the right terms,’ she said.

‘I’ve always wanted to put in the best possible performance, always pushed myself to be challenging for medals or improving my best.

‘I’ve always wanted to put in the best possible performance. But I’ve not been able to get myself in a position where I feel able to compete at that level again, and I only want to do it if I can be at my best.

‘It’s a sad day in some ways but also a happy day as I know I’ve made the right decision.’

She also revealed that her decision was taken the decision having consulted with her coach Tore Gustafsson.

UK Athletics Olympic head coach Christian Malcolm said: ‘Although it would have been nice to have had Sophie compete in Tokyo, I am pleased she has been able to make a decision she is happy with.

‘If an athlete recognises that time has come then it’s a positive moment because there is life after competing.

‘She has achieved an amazing amount in her event and that Olympic bronze will stay in the team’s memories from that brilliant performance in Rio almost five years ago now.

‘We wish her the very best in her retirement from the sport and a healthy and happy next chapter in her life.’