Derry born Olympic athlete Aileen Reid has announced her retirement from active competition.
Mrs Reid represented Ireland at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, competing in the women's triathlon.
She finished in 43rd place in 2012 and 21st place in 2016.
Mrs Reid spent three years ranked in the world top 10 of women's triathletes.
She said: "Illness and injury are inevitable in a sports persons career and I am a fighter.
"But this fight got me. I wanted to end on a high, a positive, I wanted to stand on that podium one more time and it was my dream to hear ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ with the Tricolour (or Northern Ireland flag for that matter) flying in front of me.
"From time to time I remind myself that I was good once and not to give up. But the light is fading at the end of the tunnel and my belief that I would be able to overcome this injury and be the athlete I once was, is disappearing. I don’t want to be half-good at anything, and so it's time to wave the white flag.
"I’ve been through the stages of grieving. It’s a scary time leaving something behind, someone I was, something that I did that will probably define me forever. To leave people, memories, support, and sponsors. The friends I have made along the way. But now, I’ve accepted it.
"The real world and its exciting prospects beckons. The future of Triathlon in Ireland is bright and I hope to support developing athletes where I can.
"My old swim squad is producing endless talent and I’ve been helping out with junior swimmers, athletes and triathletes on the Gold Coast, so I hope to help coach and mentor future stars myself. If my years of experience making all the mistakes I did can be of benefit to someone!
"So there it is, 75 caps for Ireland. 2 Olympic Games. Commonwealth Games. 3 years ranked in world top 10 and a handful of medals at World series.
"Thank you to all of my supporters. It takes an Army. Sport Ireland, Sport NI, SINI, Deda the best bike sponsor. Asics. Triathlon Ireland. Chris my first coach, Tommy & Daz. Clubs; Lisburn SC, Marylanders, City of Derry, Poissy, Cesson, D-squad. Physios; Deirdre, Chris Marty, Phil. SINI/SI; Lisa, Michael, Declan, Ricky, Alan, Lorna, Martina. My Family xx. Pals, and the too many to mention here.
"Thanks for the memories."
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA, Karen Mullan wished Derry Olympic triathlete Aileen Reid well in her retirement.
Mrs Mullan said: “I’d like to wish Derry's Aileen Reid well in her retirement from active competition as a triathlete.
“She represented Ireland at two Olympic Games, receiving 75 caps. She was a among the world's best triathletes and was internationally recognised for her abilities.
“She is an inspirational triathlete and is a great role model to young people in this city and further afield.
“Aileen served as a great ambassador for team Ireland and I wish her all the best in the future.”
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