Georgie Hermitage announces retirement from athletics

Double Paralympic gold medallist Georgie Hermitage has called time on her glittering para athletics career.

The 30-year-old announced her retirement having struggled with recurring injuries in the past two seasons.

Hermitage etched herself into ParalympicsGB folklore with T37 100m and 400m gold in Rio and revealed the decision was driven by a desire to spend time with daughter Tilly.

“It is a heart-breaking decision to retire but despite our best efforts, my body isn’t recovering from injuries which means I’m not able to train or compete to the level that’s required,” she said.

“We have thrown the kitchen sink at trying to deal with the injuries, but they keep recurring.

“Sport is a lovely thing, but it is not everything. I want to be able to go out for a jog with Tilly. I don’t want to miss those lovely moments with her.”

“I’m at a point in my life when that is the most important thing. Tilly is so excited to get her mum back.

“I would have loved to have gone to Tokyo, but I would have been half the athlete I know I can be. The pain and stress it was causing me meant I wasn’t enjoying it as much.”

The Guildford-born star was inspired to pursue sport soon after London 2012 and scooped T37 400m and T35-38 4x100m relay gold on World Para Athletics Championships debut in Doha in 2015.

Hermitage saw off French and Chinese threats to claim double glory in Rio and emerged from the Games a triple medallist after T35-38 4x100m relay silver with Kadeena Cox, Sophie Hahn and Maria Lyle.

Another double at the 2017 World Championships in London saw her complete the sweep of Paralympic, world and European titles in the 100m and 400m and would prove a fitting finale.

Para Athletics Head Coach Paula Dunn said: “Georgie has achieved so much during her career and made that time count.

“It is never easy to retire but I understand she is at a point in life where this is the best decision for Georgie and her family, and that is what is most important.

“She retires with several Paralympic, world and European titles to her name, all of which she worked incredibly hard for so she should be very proud of her achievements.

“It is not an easy balance at all, but like us, Tilly will be so proud of what her mum has achieved during her athletics career and I wish them all the best for the future.”