Sunderland's Paralympic champion Matt Wylie to retire

The Rio S9 50m freestyle gold medallist has taken the decision following a recent classification review that saw him move to an S10.

The City of Sunderland swimmer, said: “The decision to retire has been something I have thought long and hard about over the last few weeks.

“A recent reclassification has seen me move from an event where I have podium aspirations to one where I am unlikely to make a top eight.

“The process of going through a change in classification has drained me of my passion for the sport that I held so close to me.

“I feel I cannot compete to the high standard I put upon myself. I understand the importance of robust classification, but in this instance it has gone against me.

“This is something I have discussed at length with my coach, Danny Thompson, who has supported me through this process.”

In a lucrative career Wylie, who holds three British Records, also won a European gold in Funchal, Portugal in 2016.

His first British Record came in 2012, when he was just 15.

The 21-year-old added: “Swimming has provided me with hundreds of opportunities that I will be eternally grateful for.

“British Para Swimming and UK Sport have provided me with much needed support and guidance, helping me achieve my dream of representing my country at a Paralympic Games in Rio 2016.

“Representing my country at such a prestigious event will be a memory I keep close to my heart forever.

“Becoming a Paralympic Champion is something I had dreamed about since I was 11-years-old, watching the Paralympics in Beijing at home.

“For me achieving this goal has been the greatest achievement in my life to date.”

Matt now hopes to complete his Law degree, but still hopes he has time to support young swimming stars in their bid to achieve similar success.

Chris Furber, National Performance Director for British Para-Swimming said: “Matt has made an enormous contribution to para-swimming. He is one of the most professional and dedicated athletes I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.

“Classification is a key part of all para-sport, and whilst we respect and support Matt’s decision he will certainly be missed by the athletes, coaches and staff on the team.

“With his drive to succeed I have no doubts he will have a fantastic career away from swimming, just as he did in the pool. And we hope he will continue to work with British Para-Swimming in some capacity in the future”