WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALLIST AND OLYMPIAN REBECCA COOKE
TO STAND DOWN 16th
Britain's top ranked distance freestyle swimmer in recent
years Rebecca Cooke is to retire from competitive swimming
at the age of 24.
The distance swimmer, who took freestyle bronze medals at
both World & European Championships in 2006, as well as
winning a gold at the Commonwealth Games in the same year,
has taken the decision to step down after missing out on the
opportunity to compete in Beijing with the British team in
August.
"I was disappointed not to make the team for the Olympics
this year as that was my one remaining goal," said Rebecca.
"This has brought forward my retirement by a few months
as I had already resolved that I would make the change after
Beijing."
The achievement of bronze medals for the 800m Freestyle at
the World Championships in both 2006 and 2003 are just two
of the high points of Rebecca's international career. In 2004
she competed in the Athens Olympics and has won three Commonwealth
Games gold medals in 2006 and 2002. Rebecca also broke British
Records for 1500m Freestyle in 2003 and again in 2005 and
the 800m Freestyle in 2004.
After being at the top of her sport for over a decade, Rebecca
is now planning to return to her university studies.
"After taking the summer to enjoy time with my friends
and family, my next step will be to complete the final year
of my Physiology degree at the University of Glasgow,"
explained Rebecca.
"Swimming is the best thing that has ever happened to
me and has shaped me into the person I am today. It has given
me some fantastic experiences and I can retire knowing that
I have given my all to a sport that has given me so much in
return. I have travelled all over the world and have some
very special memories which I will always carry with me."
Rebecca began her swimming career at Reading Swimming Club
and then when she was 18 became one of the senior swimmers
at City of Glasgow.
"I have made some very good friends throughout my time
in swimming. The ten years I have spent on the British team
has been the most special, I will really miss the camaraderie."
British Swimming Head Women's Coach Ben Titley will be sad
to see Rebecca go but is very proud of her achievements.
"Becky has been a fantastic athlete, role model and
personality to have on the British team. She's one of the
toughest competitors we've seen in the sport for many years
and testament to this is her success at World, European and
Commonwealth level as well as the fact she's competed in two
Olympic finals."
"Becky has a reputation for going that extra mile in
training and I'm sure this hard work ethic will serve her
well in her life outside of the sport."
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