Former world and Olympic champion Jonny Brownlee has retired at the age of 36. The Briton won Olympic bronze at London 2012, silver at Rio 2016 and gold in the mixed relay at Tokyo 2020. He is also a six‑time world champion and won mixed team relay gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Brother Alistair, a double Olympic champion, retired at the age of 36 in 2024. "I've been thinking about it for a while. I've won more than I ever thought I'd ever achieve," Jonny told BBC Sport. "One thing I'm really proud of is we full on committed to winning Olympic medals and delivering our best performance. And now I just don't think I can do that any more."

Brownlee said the birth of his son Freddie 10 months ago clarified his plans for the future. "I don't think I can have that commitment because of how life is. He's my priority now, my family, but also with my body as well," said Brownlee. "The thought of missing a training session used to be the worst thing in the world, whereas now, if Freddie is ill or needs me, then without question I do that."

He added, "I used to have absolutely no fear with racing. I used to dive into corners on my bike at 60kph and not care. If I hit that corner and crash, then I can't hold Freddie for five to six weeks if I have got a broken wrist. I was asking if that was really worth it any more."