Jonny Brownlee: Former Olympic and world champion retires from triathlon after career 'I never thought I'd have'

Brownlee, alongside his older brother Alistair, was a defining figure in his generation of British triathletes and won Olympic golds of each colour alongside six world titles.

Jonny retires at the same age his brother did two years ago.

"Today is a big day," he said in an Instagram post. "It's a day I knew was coming but have not been looking forward to.

"I've made the decision to retire from professional racing. It wasn't the dream ending, but it hasn't been far from a dream career.

"It's a career I never thought I'd have had when I was a young lad, watching the Sydney Olympics in 2000. The Olympic Games felt miles away, never mind three Olympic medals and many World Championships.

"On one hand, it's definitely a sad day. On the other hand, it's a day to look forward to what I have got coming up. I'm immensely proud of what I achieved, but I also realise it wouldn't have been possible without a lot of people."

Brownlee went on to thank his parents, as well as coaches, physios, sponsors and fans for his storied career, while also acknowledging the influence of his brother.

"Alistair was the groundbreaker in British triathlon," he said. "He showed us all what we can achieve, and many followed him on his way. First he inspired me, then being there day in, day out, someone to train with."

He added that he made the decision to retire in order to prioritise his wife and son, Freddie.

Brownlee rose to prominence when he took bronze in the individual triathlon event at the London 2012 Olympics, despite being subjected to a 15-second penalty for mounting his bike too early.

He stood alongside his brother on the podium, with Alistair taking gold.

The younger Brownlee won his first world title that same year and then went on to claim mixed team relay gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Brownlee bettered his London finish by taking silver, and five years later, in Tokyo, he finally added an Olympic gold to his record in the mixed relay event.

In an interview with the BBC, he said by winning gold on the Olympic stage, he was "finally known as Jonny Brownlee, and not as the person who came 10, 15 seconds behind Alistair."

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