Chris Thompson announces retirement from elite running
Chris Thompson has announced he is retiring from elite running after a professional career spanning more than two decades.
The 43-year-old, who's represented Great Britain in two Olympics and claimed a European 10,000m silver medallist, will officially hang up his shoes at next month's Great South Run (October 20).
Thompson announced his retirement live on the BBC at the Great North Run (September 8) and afterwards, on his Instagram, thanked "both the Great Run team and BBC for letting me cry with joy on TV one last time!".
The Brit said: "I don’t know where to start. And I’m sure it won’t come of a shock to all that know me, but my time has come to start a new chapter.
"There isn’t enough space or time to go through all the thanks I want to make. Just know I will thank you all personally if not already! As a young lad I never imagined the joy and amazing people I’d meet along the way. It’s hard to explain what the last 30 years has meant and done for me. I’ll take time to digest and hopefully process it all."
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Thompson represented Great Britain at two Olympics, firstly over 10,000m at London 2012 and then in the marathon at Tokyo 2020.
Making his debut at a Games on home soil, Thompson clocked 29:06.12 for 25th in the 10,000m.
Incredibly, nine years later, Thompson qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a personal marathon best of 2:10:52 at the age of 39, just five days after he became a father to son Theo.
He also claimed a medal for Great Britain on the international stage in 2010, securing 10,000m silver behind compatriot Mo Farah at the European Championships.
Thompson made his international debut in 1998 and has represented his country over cross-country, track and the roads.
"I started as an immature, hard to take serious, silly billy. I finish proud to have never changed," Thompson added.
"I’m excited about starting a new chapter and can’t wait to finally rest and watch from the sidelines. I’ll always be a runner and will bounce around the odd run or two. But it’s time to give the body a rest and set goals around a new lifestyle and commitments.
"What’s next? I’m not going anywhere. In time I’ll be able to form a new way of operating in the sport I love. I’ll do my best to ensure the sport keeps everyone’s dreams alive like it has for me. If the next chapter is half as good as the last one, I’m in for a treat.
"Time to start digging out the old embarrassing photos which aren’t digital! But I’ll try to enjoy this final six weeks and say thank you to everyone! You made it more special than I get my head around."
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