10th July 2013

Idowu Hangs Up Spikes

 

10 July 2013

Phillips Idowu today announced that he is taking a break from athletics after confirming he will not be competing at the Sainsbury’s British Championships in Birmingham this weekend:  “After some careful consideration I have decided that for the foreseeable future I will be taking a step back from athletics.

"I feel this is the right time for me to make this decision and it’s not a choice I’ve made lightly. I greatly appreciate all of the support I have received over the past years, particularly from the British public and my team and sponsors; it has been an extremely happy and successful time. I’m excited about pursuing other interests and taking other opportunities that present themselves to me during this break.”

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black said:

"It’s a big brave decision for Phil, and whilst we’re sad to see him hang up his spikes for now, he’s had a fantastic career.

"Winning medals across all major championships, including gold at World, European and Commonwealth is a brilliant record, and myself and many of my colleagues at British Athletics feel privileged to have worked alongside him through the ups and downs of a long career.

"We wish him all the best and we are sure we will continue to see him inspiring youngsters into athletics in whatever he decides to do."

Phillips will not be making any further comment at this time. For full details of Phillips’ illustrious career please see: http://www.mtc-uk.com/talent/phillips-idowu-mbe/