McClatchey calls time on competitive career

Caitlin made her Olympic debut in Athens in 2004 at the age of 19, helping Team GB to fifth in the freestyle relay.

A year later she followed that up with 400m freestyle bronze at the World Championships before winning double gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Further Olympic Games appearances would come at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 while she made her third Commonwealth Games appearance in Glasgow last year.

The Scot is currently studying for a Masters degree in performance psychology at Edinburgh University, although she also intends to one day help other swimmers progress through the ranks.

"After an incredible ten-year career, competing at three Olympic Games and wining multiple World, Commonwealth and European medals I have decided to retire from competitive swimming," she said.

"I have some amazing memories and I am very proud of my achievements in the sport. My career highlight was when I became double Commonwealth Champion and won Scotland's first gold medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

"I am very excited to be starting a new chapter and taking on new challenges. Once I have finished my Masters degree in performance psychology I want to be involved in sport and help others to perform at the highest level.

"I am looking forward to supporting the next generation of British swimmers and watching them achieve incredible things at the Rio Olympics next year."

British Swimming head coach Bill Furniss paid tribute to Caitlin for her long career within the sport.

"I would like to congratulate Caitlin on her long and successful swimming career," said Furniss.

"It's a career she should be proud after winning ten international medals for Britain as well as representing her nation at three Olympic Games. We all wish Caitlin the very best for her future."

© Sportsbeat 2015