Rangers-daft Scottish athletics champ retires after rollercoaster career as emotional star says ‘it’s been a rocky road’
COLLEAGUE and rivals have been paying tribute after former European 800m champion Lynsey Sharp called time on her athletics career at the age of 33.
The two-time Olympian spoke of the sacrifices she has made to pursue her athletics career as she made the announcement on her Instagram account yesterday.
Sharp - who last raced in June - had previously had almost three years out of the sport due to injury and the arrival of her first child Max.
Next summer will be a decade on from her dramatic Commonwealth silver medal in Glasgow at 2014.
You may recall how her participation in the final was thrown into doubt when she needed to be put on a drip the night before.
Knowing she would never get the chance to compete in another home Games, she decided to run - claiming her silver medal with the words ‘Get out strong. Commit’ written on her hand.
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There was also a well publicised controversy surrounding the Scot's view that Caster Semenya and others held a performance advantage held by the South African due to her heightened testosterone.
Sharp received death threats and trial by the media, even though her viewpoint was formed by her own academic research on the topic.
The daughter of athletes Cameron and Carol Sharp, Sharp is a Rangers fan who has regularly been spotted at Ibrox - with Gers legend Richard Gough also paying tribute in the comments.
Her husband is fellow Scotland and GB athlete Andrew Butchart.
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She wrote yesterday: “Throughout my career, I was often asked about the sacrifices I had made to be an athlete.
"I never saw these life choices as sacrifices.
“I didn’t want to spend my time going anything else. Time goes on and our priorities change.
"Now I do believe I’m making sacrifices in other aspects of my life in order to continue pursuing my athletics career.
"And that’s why I know now is the right time to hang up my spikes. I’ve given it everything I’m willing to give: mentally, physically and financially.
“As with any sports career, it’s been a rocky road.
"The highest of highs and some very low points.
"Every single experience has shaped me into the person I am today and I will always be thankful for everything this sport has taught me.”
Gough - who still lives in California, where Sharp and Butchart used to stay - joined athletics stars such as current world 1500m champ Josh Kerr, Paula Radclilffe, Eilish McColgan and Jake Wightman in paying trubute.
He wrote: "Sharpy you legend. What a wonderful career you have had. You will have incredible memories that will stay with you forever.
"I am proud to be your friend and hopefully this retirement will give you more time to come out and visit us in California.
"You know that Max, Andrew and yourself are always welcome in our house my friend. Congratulations on a wonderful career and hopefully see you soon."
Kerr wrote: "Congratulations on such an amazing career, you paved the way for so many."
Fellow Commonwealth 2014 silver medallist Eilidh Doyle wrote: "Congratulations on a great career, it's never an easy choice but you're right you have to be totally in it. Enjoy the next part."
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Sharp added: "Howling all day. Thank you."
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