Olympic champion Mark Hunter retires from rowing
Last updated on .From the section Rowing

Olympic gold medallist Mark Hunter has announced his retirement from rowing.
The 34-year-old came second in the lightweight double sculls at London 2012 with Zac Purchase, having taking gold in Beijing.
The pair also won gold at the 2010 and 2011 World Championships.
"It's tough to officially end my rowing career, but I know I've gone as far as I can and now it's time to hang up my oars and look at new adventures," said Hunter.
"I really want to thank friends, coaches and sponsors who helped me capture my dream, but especially my family.
"The journey through all the celebrations and struggles wouldn't have been possible without the support of my parents, brother, and extended family.
"With the Henley Royal Regatta starting today, it seems like the perfect time and place to announce my retirement. It is the pinnacle of the British rowing calendar, taking place in Henley-on-Thames where I developed my skills and excelled with my club Leander."
Hunter (pictured on the left above) and Purchase first began racing together in 2007 and success came almost immediately as they won two silver medals and a bronze at the three World Cup events that year.
They also won bronze at the 2007 World Rowing Championships in Munich before taking their first Olympic gold in 2008.
Hunter was made an MBE in 2009 and was named Olympic Athlete of the Year for rowing in 2011 by the British Olympic Association.
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Reynolds1986
"Who?"
Thanks for letting us know your ignorance on the sport of rowing,
Those who don't give a crap, go back to following Wayne Rooneys twitter and hashtagging yourselves incomprehensibly to get attention
Sir Steve Redgrave.
He didn't come from a top school or silver spoon and certainly isn't posh.
Lets quit the snob/common class rubbish & appreciate our champions for what they've achieved.
Hope Mr Hunter enyoys retirement after reaching the pinnacle of his sport & ambassador for his sport in this country.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18911586
A genuine Olympic legend, enjoy whatever is the next step in your life.
If only our overpaid footballers reacted like that after another 1/4 final loss, we may win something
I really don't understand the mindset of people who don't care, but click on an article to read it. And then feel the need to tell everyone how little they care. I don't care about dressage. So I don't read about it.
@9. Seriously? Pass judgement when you've won an olympic medal.
I'm not the biggest rowing fan in the world but watching all the emotions this guy went through in London brought a tear to me eye. 4 years solid training to come within a whisker of your dream. the guy deserves all the good things that will come his way.
Fans like emotion not machines, Just ask Andy Murray last year?
"Hope Mr Hunter enjoys retirement after reaching the pinnacle of his sport & ambassador for his sport in this country."
Totally agree! Rowing may not be as "popular" as football but those who excel at it, for themselves and their countries, do so after putting in extraordinary amounts of effort and commitment. Thank you Mark for you efforts. Enjoy your retirement!
Congratulations on a fine career, and enjoy your retirement, you've earned it!
If it's that easy, you go try it. Bet you would not even fit in the boat.
Blooming armchair detractors. I abhor you.