Macey announces retirement
Commonwealth gold medal-winning decathlete Dean Macey has retired from athletics at the age of 30.
The Canvey Island-born athlete has struggled to overcome a series of injuries that have prevented him from repeating his success at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.
Macey, who failed to earn enough points to qualify for the British Olympic team for Beijing at an event in Hexham last weekend, said: "My heart is there, my mind is there, but my body has finally given in. I've given nothing but 100% over the last decade and worn my Great Britain vest with pride."
Macey came agonisingly close to a position on the podium in the last two Olympics, finishing fourth in Sydney in 2000 and fourth again in Athens four years later.
UK Athletics performance director Dave Collins added: "Everyone at UKA is gutted for Dean that he won't be going to Beijing - he is a warrior.
"He has been an outstanding professional throughout his career, and his drive and determination to succeed should serve as an example to every aspiring Olympian."
