World record holder Gemma Spofforth has announced her retirement from swimming.

The 24-year-old, who finished fifth in the 100m backstroke final at London 2012, scooped gold in the same event at the 2009 World Aquatic Championships in Rome.

She recorded a world-record time of 58.12 seconds, which still stands today.

Spofforth, who has suffered from depression, will now begin her new life as a crisis counseller.

Written by
Michael Penkman