British swimmer Stephanie Millward - a multiple Paralympic, World and European medallist - has retired from the sport at the age of 40.
Millward - who suffers from multiple sclerosis - took two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games in 100 m backstroke and the women's 4 x 100 m medley relay, as well as four silvers and a bronze at London 2012.
The Saudi Arabia-born swimmer also won four golds at the 2013 World Championships in Montreal but has now ended her competitive career after competing at Tokyo 2020, placing eighth in 100 m backstroke and 16th in 100 m freestyle.
Millward said in a statement: "To my dear family, friends, coaches and supporters. This is a quick but heartfelt message to say that I am retiring from international swimming and I wanted to thank you all for everything you have done for me.
"I have spent the last 13 years travelling the world representing GB and competing in national, European, world, Commonwealth and Paralympic competitions, securing more than 700 swimming medals, of which 10 are Paralympic ones, including my coveted two golds from Rio 2016.
"I have been awarded an MBE and been given the freedom of my local town Corsham. Now is the time to celebrate and thank all those that helped me to come to terms with my incurable MS."
Millward has called time on her career mere hours after her fellow Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Robinson announced her own retirement from the sport. body check tags ::
