Olympian Dobbin retires because of 'life-changing health issue'

Scottish 200m record holder Beth Dobbin has announced her retirement following "a three-year battle with a serious and life-changing health issue".

The 31-year-old ran at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, reaching the semi-finals, and won 4x400m relay bronze for Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Dobbie also competed at three European Championships and two World Championships.

In 2018, she smashed a Scottish record that had stood for 34 years and was crowned British champion, while her best time of 22.50 seconds came at the 2019 Anniversary Games in London.

Breaking the news of her retirement via social media, Dobbin wrote: "There isn't space to list the highs I've experienced."

Choosing not to go into detail on her illness, she continued: "I am very proud of my journey. From never getting close to making junior teams to breaking through at 24."

On her enforced absence from the track, Dobbin said: "Unlike injuries, where you are surrounded by physio expertise, this often isn't the case with illness.

"Instead it's been a journey of getting answers and trialing treatment.

"On one hand it feels like my career has been cut short and it feels cruel not to be retiring on my own terms. On the other, I achieved so much more than I ever expected.

"I may not be leaving the sport with an Olympic medal, but I'm leaving with many dreams fulfilled."