By Graeme Yorke
Great Britain’s Olympic bronze-medallist archer Alison Williamson has retired from her sport.
The former world number one, who was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to archery, has called time on her career at the age of 42.
Williamson – who took part in six consecutive Olympic Games, concluding with London 2012 – won individual bronze at Athens 2004, and also claimed individual and team silver medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Williamson, a primary school teacher based near Stafford, said: ‘I just couldn’t continue to dedicate the hours needed to be competing at the top level any more.
‘It has been an amazing journey. The sport has been a part of my life since I was six years old and has taken me to places, and introduced me to people, that I would not have had the pleasure of in any other profession.
She added: ‘I am so grateful to all the coaches, team mates, family and friends who have helped me achieve so much in sport. Without their support over the years there wouldn’t be the medals, titles and certainly not six Olympics.’
Despite ending her international career, Williamson will still be involved in archery at grassroots level, working with Energize – the county sports partnership for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin – to promote Olympic values and introduce youngsters to the sport.
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