9 July 2008

Ashia Hansen has announced her retirement from athletics after losing her battle to be ready for this weekend’s Olympic trials in Birmingham.

The former world indoor triple jump champion had hoped for one last national title at the Aviva National Championships in her hometown.

It means she will now call time on a glittering career that saw her crowned European and Commonwealth champion, world indoor champion twice and world record holder indoors.

Hansen said: “It would have been great to have competed at the Aviva National Championships this weekend, but sadly it’s not to be. I’m just not in a position to compete at the level I would want to.

“It had just become clear to me that I can no longer train through the pain of injury as I used to do. It’s time to take the pressure off myself.

“I can have few complaints though given what I have achieved in my career. Looking back I held a world record and I earned an MBE as well as all the pleasure I have taken from being involved in athletics.

“I now hope to put some of that back as part of the Norwich Union performance advisor programme, but the immediate aim is to enjoy a rest and look forward to getting married next May.”

A presentation will be made to Hansen during Sunday’s programme at the trials to recognise her contribution to British athletics.

UK Athletics chief executive Niels de Vos paid tribute to Hansen’s career.

He said: “Ashia Hansen will go down as a truly world class performer who reached the absolute peak of her event. British athletics was lucky to have her. I know that she will be a success at whatever she decides to do next.”