Double taekwondo world champion Sarah Stevenson, 30, has retired from the sport with immediate effect.
The four-times Olympian and bronze medallist at the 2008 Games, will instead take up a coaching role within Britain’s world-class programme.
Announcing her retirement, she said: “I’ve known in my heart it’s what I have wanted to do for a while. I’m glad I don’t have to fight again. I have done enough and didn’t want to put my body through any more.”
Stevenson had hoped to end her career on a high at London 2012 but lost both her parents during the build-up to the Games and then suffered a serious knee injury.
British Olympic Association chairman Lord Coe said: “Her pursuit of excellence has been tireless and she reached the pinnacle of her sport through dedication and sacrifice.”
