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Campbell announces low-key retirement

18/08/2006

Darren Campbell has announced his retirement from athletics following a low-key 100m race at the Celtic Cup in Grangemouth, Scotland.

The British sprinter had vowed to end his distinguished career in the wake of controversial scenes at the recent European Championships in Gothenburg.

It was expected that Campbell, an Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medallist, would bow out after this weekend's Norwich Union International match in Birmingham but he decided to call it a day early last night.

"That was definitely my last race," the 32-year-old Manchester runner said. "I got a bit misty-eyed in the warm-up when I realised it was all going to come to a close.

"It's good to end your career with people who are just going out to do their best. I decided to call it a day tonight because I'm emotionally drained."

Dave Collins, UK Athletics performance director, said from Beijing, where he has been watching the World Junior Championships, that Campbell will still be given a send-off in Birmingham.

"I had a conversation with my staff yesterday and we were making arrangements to say farewell to Darren with a big bang celebration in Birmingham," he said.

"Obviously given the time difference, I will be checking it out as quickly as possible. He's been a great servant of the sport and I am sure he will retain his interest as his input has proved invaluable in the past.

"He is already deeply involved in street athletics and of course he was here earlier this week, as an ambassador meeting the next generation of British athletes."

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