Great Britain's Ellie Downie has announced her retirement from artistic gymnastics at the age of 23 in order to prioritise her "mental health and happiness".
Downie became the first-ever Briton to win an all-around title at a major international competition when she became European champion in Romania in 2017.
The 23-year-old also competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, placing 13th in the women's all-around final, but she did not go to Tokyo 2020 following the death of her brother Josh.
"With a heavy heart and an array of emotions, today is the day I announce my retirement from gymnastics," Downie wrote on social media.
"To say it's been a difficult decision is a massive understatement, but after a really tough last few years I've made the decision to prioritise my mental health and happiness.
"Gymnastics has been my life for as long as I can remember and I am proud of everything I was fortunate enough to achieve. Competing and winning medals for Great Britain has meant everything and more to me and I'll miss it enormously."
Downie won a total of 12 European and world medals during her competitive career, including bronze in the women's vault final at the 2019 World Championships.
Together with older sister Becky Downie, the pair formed part of GB's world bronze-medal winning team in 2015, but they have also spoken out against the systemic abuse culture within British Gymnastics, which was unearthed by the Whyte Review last year.
Ben Knapton
