Former European champion Jemma Lowe announces retirement from swimming

Lowe, 26, experienced her first international competition representing Wales at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, in Melbourne, before qualifying for her first Olympic Games two years later in Beijing, where she finished sixth in the 100m butterfly final.

That year also saw Lowe win her first major medals, taking double bronze at the short course World Championships, as well as European 4x100 medley gold and 200m butterfly bronze.

She represented Team GB once again at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and rounded off her international medal haul in 2014, with European 4x100m medley gold.

"After giving so much to the sport, it's been a tough decision to make but I feel the time is right to move on to the next stage of my life," she said.

"Making the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012 are certainly two of the highest points of my career. It means so much when you achieve something you have dreamed of as a child and worked so hard for.

"I remember qualifying for the Beijing Games on the day of my 18th birthday, I dived into that race and gave it literally everything.

"My Olympic debut in 2008 was daunting and I only just made the semi-finals but after I settled I made it through to the final, found myself in my 'zone' and finished sixth.

"My family was there supporting me - it was one of my proudest moments."

In total, Lowe represented Great Britain at four World Championships, three Commonwealth Games and a whole host of European Championships, as well as her two Olympic appearances.

But while she may be hanging up her goggles to pursue new adventures, retirement will not see Lowe step away from the sport she loves.

"Swimming will always be part of my life and I've just started my own swimsuit business which I will be putting all my efforts into, going forward," she added.

"When I look back at my swimming career, I am thankful for so much. I've travelled the world and met so many amazing people that will be friends for life.

"Swimming has made me the person I am today. It's taught me how to cope with pressure and conquer the toughest of challenges at the very highest level and I now plan on utilising these skills as I begin the next stage of my life.

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been a part of my career."

Sportsbeat 2017