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Olympic champion Mark Hunter retires from rowing

Last updated on .From the section Rowingcomments24

Mark Hunter (left) & Zac Purchase

Olympic gold medallist Mark Hunter has announced his retirement from rowing.

Sir Steve Redgrave helps Mark Hunter to his feet after he and Zac Purchase miss out on Olympic gold

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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24 comments

  • Comment posted by U15654514, at 16:24 3 Jul 2013

    3.
    Reynolds1986


    "Who?"

    Thanks for letting us know your ignorance on the sport of rowing,

  • Comment posted by U15778456, at 15:49 3 Jul 2013

    Gave his all, an inspiration to anyone in any profession. Good luck.

  • Comment posted by Weybournewanderer, at 15:26 3 Jul 2013

    In response to number 3 below, if you do not know who Mark Hunter is and have no interest in rowing, why bother submitting an inane comment? For your information, he is a double world champion and an Olympic gold and silver medallist.

  • Comment posted by U15615341, at 14:58 3 Jul 2013

    Enjoy your retirement mark, you are a cracking olympian!

  • Comment posted by U15583549, at 19:40 3 Jul 2013

    Brilliant commitment and dedication, the aftermath of that Olympic race is the stuff of legend. Cult hero

    Those who don't give a crap, go back to following Wayne Rooneys twitter and hashtagging yourselves incomprehensibly to get attention

  • Comment posted by Race for your life , at 19:14 3 Jul 2013

    People who say this a 'posh/snobs' sports clearly forget who our top rower was.

    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.

  • Comment posted by Bairdini, at 15:28 3 Jul 2013

    Good luck to him. He represented Britain magnificently. If only all our sports men and women could be that dedicated and successful.

  • Comment posted by Ian_the_chopper, at 15:15 3 Jul 2013

    When some UK Olympians, yes you swimmers, seemed to enjoy the Olympic event rather than give it 100% anyone who watched Hunter and Purchase's performance to get a silver in London couldn't have anything but total admiration for them and their efforts.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18911586

    A genuine Olympic legend, enjoy whatever is the next step in your life.

  • Comment posted by Kherosguns, at 21:36 3 Jul 2013

    what raw emotion and a true champion

  • Comment posted by U13800739, at 19:50 3 Jul 2013

    This is a guy that cried his eyes out, knowing that, to him, silver wasn't good enough. Thinking he'd let his country down (when the opposite was in fact true, everybody was as proud as a peacock of him.) Anyone who says they don't know or care about him should take a long hard look at themselves.
    If only our overpaid footballers reacted like that after another 1/4 final loss, we may win something

  • Comment posted by Mike, at 19:14 3 Jul 2013

    @12.
    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.

  • Comment posted by AMViscaBarca, at 15:47 3 Jul 2013

    A great champion who I would gladly welcome in Catalunya. I look forward to see him rowing through the rivers of blood spilled by Spanish nationalists.

  • Comment posted by barrym, at 08:35 4 Jul 2013

    @14 totally agree, why @12 and @9 even comment is a joke to be honest.
    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?

  • Comment posted by debmae65, at 23:13 3 Jul 2013

    The quote a previous comment

    "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!

  • Comment posted by DaveChappelleLovesMusic, at 20:26 3 Jul 2013

    17. It's slightly that you'd trumpet your ignorance to the nation via the BBC website....Each to their own I guess.

  • Comment posted by U13800739, at 19:14 3 Jul 2013

    The effort he, and Purchase, put in in that epic race last year sent chills down my spine. To hardly be able to stand after competing is how it should be! You should always give everything you have, and more. And for that moment, he will always be in my heart.
    Congratulations on a fine career, and enjoy your retirement, you've earned it!

  • Comment posted by U15780072, at 17:37 3 Jul 2013

    nice

  • Comment posted by U15780035, at 17:11 3 Jul 2013

    good luck

  • Comment posted by BucksBaggie68, at 16:50 3 Jul 2013

    @9
    If it's that easy, you go try it. Bet you would not even fit in the boat.
    Blooming armchair detractors. I abhor you.

  • Comment posted by U14828457, at 08:09 4 Jul 2013

    He should have retired after getting Gold in Beijing. He was beaten in the trials for the place in the 2012 boat by Rob Williams.

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