Paralympic star Sam Hynd to retire

Sam broke onto the scene with his performance at the 2008 Paralympic Games with a gold and a bronze medal. His gold in the S8 400m freestyle saw him set a new world record which still stands today.

He continued his dominance of the S8 400m freestyle with gold at the 2009 European Championships and added gold in the 200m individual medley.

At the London 2012 Paralympics, Sam went head-to-head with brother Ollie in the 200m individual medley and the 400m freestyle and Sam came away with bronze in the 400m freestyle.

He competed at his last international in Montreal at the IPC Swimming World Championships where he won silver in the 400m Freestyle just behind Ollie.

On his retirement he said: “I just felt it was time for a change and a new challenge in my life. I have been competing internationally for almost ten years and I knew I needed a new focus.

“I have loved swimming. It has been my life for so long and brought me so much. I have great friends and I have travelled the world and I have some memories that I will never forget.

“Winning gold in Beijing will be something that will stay with me forever and I still hold the world record from that race which is also a special feeling. I’ll miss the sport but I was ready for the next step.

“I have got a job working for British Gas and I am excited with my new steps into the future.

“I want to thank everyone at British Para-Swimming for their support and everything they have done for my career over the years. I would also like to thank all of my coaches who have helped me on my journey. I couldn’t have done anything without them.

“Many thanks to Glenn Smith whose expertise and talent made winning my gold medal possible. Also to Billy Pye, who coached me to a bronze medal in London 2012 and Ross Nicholas for his work with me to secure a silver medal at the world championships Montreal 2013.”

National Performance Director Chris Furber said: “Sam was an excellent member of the team who helped to inspire the next generation of athletes with his great success in the sport.

“He has won medals at every level of competition including gold at the Beijing Paralympics. Throughout his career he has shown huge dedication to the sport and it was personally good to watch Sam win the silver medal in the 400m Freestyle in Montreal.

“I have enjoyed working with Sam since I joined the sport and on behalf of everyone at British Para-Swimming I want to wish him well for the future.”