VCB announces retirement

Sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown (VCB) has retired.

VCB, 39, made the announcement on social media yesterday, just before the start of the National Senior Championships today, to pick Jamaica's team for the Tokyo Olympic Games next month.

"What a journey it has been! Through the grace of God, I have climbed from a small town in Trelawny, Jamaica, up the ladder of success to become one of the most decorated women in the Olympic Games and World Championships history," Campbell-Brown said on her social media accounts. "All glory to the Lord for my successes, He blessed me with the talent, the will to stay focused and the requisite work ethics. Additionally, He placed authentic and supportive people in my life who served as pillars of strength as I manoeuvred the highs and lows which littered my athletic career.

Never to put them on again

"As I take off my spikes never to put them on again, this girl from Clarks Town walks away happy and contented with a race well run.".

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association President Garth Gayle says that the nation has been served "extremely well" by Campbell-Brown for more than two decades.

"She has been an amazing example, a mentor, a leader, an ambassador, and most of all a winner," he said. "Jamaica's track and field has benefited immensely from her dedication and perseverance. VCB, as we affectionately call her, gave more to the cause than anyone I could think of; putting her body through extreme rigour to get success for Jamaica and herself. The JAAA, and by extension Jamaica's track and field, salute her today and wish her all the very best as she turns to another chapter in her life."

VCB is one of the most successful sprinters of all time, having won 19 combined Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships medals. This includes successive Olympic gold medals in the 200m at the Athens Games in 2004 and Beijing Games four years later. She also has a total of 34 medals for Jamaica, competing as a senior athlete.