British Sprinter Prescod Retires From Athletics At 29

British sprinter Reece Prescod says athletics pushed him “physically, mentally, and emotionally” in ways he “never imagined possible” as he announced his decision to retire from the sport.

The 29-year-old has hung up his running spikes after a decade as a professional which saw participate in three World Championships and the 2020 Olympic Games.

Prescod is the fourth fastest British man ever over 100m, with a personal best of 9.93 seconds, a tenth of a second behind Zharnel Hughes’ national record.

He won a silver medal in the 100m at the 2018 European Championships in Berlin, and picked a bronze in the 4x100m relay at the 2022 Worlds in Eugene.

London-born Prescod, who represented Enfield and Haringey Athletic Club, reached the semi-finals of the 100m at Tokyo 2020 in his only appearance at an Olympics.

“Athletics has taught me invaluable lessons, the true meaning of hard work, dedication, and discipline,” Prescod said in a post on his Instagram account., external

“I have been fortunate enough to travel the world, compete at the highest level, and represent my country with pride.

“I look forward to contributing to sport and performance in new, meaningful ways, inspiring others to chase their potential with the same passion that drove me.”

Bbc.com