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Double Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 36.
Brownlee won gold at London 2012 before defending his title in Rio four years later.
A world champion in 2009 and 2011, Brownlee is the only triathlete ever to be crowned junior world champion, U23 world champion, European champion and Olympic champion.
“Triathlon has profoundly shaped my life. I have dedicated nearly half of it to being a professional athlete, fulfilling my childhood dream and achieving far more than I ever dared to imagine,” Brownlee wrote on X.
“I look forward to embracing a slightly slower pace of life, yet not too slow.
“There’s an exciting array of events, challenges and adventures awaiting me — things I’ve always wanted to have a crack at but haven’t had the chance to pursue.”World Triathlon president Antonio Arimany paid tribute to Brownlee, saying his legacy will “live as long as the sport itself”.
“Alistair’s contribution to the world of triathlon over more than two decades is immeasurable,” said Arimany.
“He is a true icon of our sport and he will inspire generations to come of young triathletes from all around the world.”
Brownlee’s first Games came in 2008 in Beijing, where he finished in 12th place.
It wasn’t until 2012, when Brownlee won gold on home soil, that he captured a legion of fans.
