A TEAM GB double Olympic champion who once sacrificed a victory for a viral family moment has retired.
Alistair Brownlee, 36, won triathlon gold at both London 2012 and Rio 2016.
On both occasions, he was joined on the podium by younger brother Jonny, who claimed bronze and then silver.
However, arguably Alistair’s most famous moment came at the World Triathlon Series in Mexico in 2016 when Jonny had been leading comfortably but started suffering from heat exhaustion during the 10km run.
And rather than take advantage to overtake his sibling, Alistair relinquished his chances of winning the race to help push Jonny over the line in second.
That saw Alistair finish third while Henri Schoeman – who had taken bronze behind the pair in Rio – claimed victory.
It was a stunning act of brotherly love and was regarded as one of the classiest gestures seen in a triathlon race.
Alistair etched his name into the history books as a world champion in 2009 and 2011 and is the only triathlete to be junior world champion, Under-23 world champion, European champion and Olympic champion.
Brownlee’s career has faded in recent years as he dipped into Ironman challenges – a longer-form version of the triathlon – but is credited by many with propelling his sport into a successful new era.
But now the Team GB veteran has decided to hang up his goggles, bike and trainers to draw the curtain on his illustrious career.
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Back-to-back gold medallist Brownlee released an emotional statement on Thursday morning to confirm he had reached the end of his race – but hinted at a career change with “new and exciting projects” ahead.
The Yorkshireman – runner-up in the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award – wrote alongside a series of photos: “It’s time to close this chapter…
“This marks my transition from professional triathlon, a moment approached with both dread and excitement in equal measure.
“Triathlon has profoundly shaped my life; I have dedicated nearly half of it to being a professional athlete, fulfilling my childhood dream and achieving far more than I ever dared to imagine.
“Why now? It feels right. I am happy and content, eager for what lies ahead. I find myself smiling because it happened, rather than crying because it’s over (to paraphrase Dr. Seuss).
“I look forward to embracing a slightly slower pace of life, yet not too slow. There’s an exciting array of events, challenges, and adventures awaiting me—things I’ve always wanted to have a crack at but haven’t had the chance to pursue.
“For me, sport has always been a personal journey of exploration, and I’m excited to try some new challenges. Feel free to make suggestions below.
“First, I have many wonderful people to thank and some well-deserved relaxation to embrace.
“In the coming months, I’ll share more about my career and the incredible individuals who have been part of my journey, along with the new and exciting challenges and projects I’m eager to tackle.
“I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your contributions, no matter how small you may believe they are. Your support means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Within minutes of his announcement, Brownlee’s social media posts were flooded with comments of support and best wishes.
The Olympics replied: “The end of an era. Congratulations on an incredible career, Ali. Best wishes for your next adventure.”
World Triathlon said: “An athlete who mastered the sport. Thanks for it all Ali.”
Jan Frodeno wrote: “What a career. What a champion. You changed the game.”
Sam Laidlow added: “Legend. It’s been a pleasure to have raced with you having grown up watching you! All the best mate.”
Imogen Simmonds typed: “Thank you for making our sport what it is today.”
