Olympic cyclist Carrigan calls it quits
Posted
Olympic gold medallist Sara Carrigan has announced she is retiring from professional cycling.
The 28-year-old Queenslander represented Australia at eight world championships, two Olympics and two Commonwealth Games.
Carrigan won the road race for Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
She also took the bronze medal in the time trial at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
"I am excited about my new adventures but it is sad and emotional for me to let go and say good bye to what has been half my life," Carrigan said in a statement.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their support, they have helped make me who I am today.
"The thought of life as a 'non-full time' athlete is overwhelming but also exciting.
"It is hard to leave something that I love so much, that has allowed me to achieve one of my life dreams, but I am an 'all-or-nothing' person.
"I'm in it to be the best and if I feel I don't have that kind of focus or commitment to win and conquer all, it is the right time for me to walk away."
Carrigan said she will focus on completing her business degree at Griffith University.
Search for news
ABC News Online takes a look at the big stories from 2008.
