• London Olympics 2012

Olympic champion Romero quits British Cycling

ESPN staff
October 10, 2011
Rebecca Romero has left British Cycling's Olympic programme © Getty Images
Enlarge

Double Olympic medallist Rebecca Romero has abandoned her dream of winning gold at London 2012.

The former rower became only the second woman to win a medal in two different summer Olympic sports, when she won cycling gold in Beijing after winning silver in the quadruple sculls at Athens 2004.

However, she was denied the chance to defend her title in London after the individual pursuit event was dropped from the Olympic programme.

After missing out on selection for the British team at the Track World Cycling Championships earlier this year, Romero hinted she may turn her attentions to road racing, finishing fourth in the time trial at this year's British Championships, but she now feels she is no longer on track for Olympic glory.

"Having suffered several setbacks at crucial points, I believe I'm no longer on a pathway which will see me fulfil my Olympic ambition to win a second Olympic gold medal," Romero said. "I'm proud to have contributed to the cycling team's great Olympic triumph in Beijing and I thank all the amazing people within British Cycling who were central to my success. I wish my current team-mates every success in London next year."

"Rebecca's decision to leave is a great loss to the team and it's a shame to lose an Olympic champion going into the Olympic year," said British Cycling performance manager Shane Sutton.

"Looking ahead, we have some great young talent in addition to experienced riders in the Team Pursuit squad and I'm confident we can remain on track to hit our performance targets in the lead up to and during the London Olympic Games."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices