Stuart Stokes has insisted that he is "proud" of the way that he has acted throughout his entire career.

The British distance runner called time on his 20-year stint in athletics following his exit from the 3,000m steeplechase earlier today.

Despite failing to make the final in his first and only appearance at the Olympic Games, the veteran feels that he should not be considered a failure.

"Many people will say I failed today but I don't think I failed," he told BBC Sport. "I have no regrets, no complaints. I walk off the track very proud.

"I'm proud of the way I've conducted myself throughout my whole career. This for me is about 20 years of hard work."

Stokes is now expected to go into teaching on a full-time basis.