Rodford confident decision to retire is right

Rodford made her breakthrough in 2004 when she won gold as part of the women's four at the World Under-23 Championships.

She progressed into the senior squad the following season and started working towards Beijing 2008, where she finished fifth in the women's eight crew.

She also finished sixth in the quadruple scull boat at London 2012 although her best season came in 2010 when she won two World Cups and was part of the World Championship gold medal winning women's quad team.

Injury interrupted her training this winter while she was only a reserve for this summer's World Championships squad due to a lack of form.

And while conceding her current results were a reason behind her decision to retire, she still intends to stay involved in the sport through her coaching commitments, and also to branch out into PE teaching.

"I'm not where I want to be and I'm not getting the results I need to make it back to the top level so it's time for a change. I think you know when it is time to move on," said the 32-year-old.

"The people that I have met, the things that I have done and the friends that I have made through rowing will stay with me forever.

"I know now that you can achieve anything if you really put your mind to it. There were times in my career when I was told I might not make it and that's when you have to dig deep, trust yourself and also the positive voices around you.

"I would say to all aspiring rowers that you should believe in your own abilities and not your doubters.

Sportsbeat 2015