Rebecca Romero has quit the British cycling team after deciding that she is not strong enough to compete in next year's Olympic Games.
The 31-year-old won an individual gold at the 2008 Games in Beijing but will not be part of the team that represents Britain in London next year.
"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," said Romero in a statement today.
"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 teammates every success in London next year."
Shane Sutton, British Cycling performance manager, added: "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.
"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."
