Jones hangs up her cap and goggles
16th May 2013Mulit-Paralympic medallist Natalie Jones has announced her retirement from swimming after more than 13 years at the top of the sport.
Jones has competed in four Paralympic Games and made her debut on the international scene at just 15-years old. The highlight of her career came at the Athens Games in 2004 when she won the SM6 200m Individual Medley and also won gold in the 4x50m Medley Relay (20pts).
Saying goodbye to her career was a tough decision to take but Jones felt the time is right to take up a new challenge.
“I have had a fantastic 13 years at the top of the sport,” Jones said. “I want to say thank you to everyone involved at British Swimming for everything that they have given me throughout my career.
“I have had ups and downs in my career but mainly ups and times that I will take with me and remember forever.
“I have won five Paralympic medals which is a big achievement and one I am very proud of but it was getting to the point where my mind was saying yes let’s do this and my body was saying no.
“I also want to thank Andy [Scanlon] and Steve [Heaps] for taking me on in November and also my friends and family without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
National Performance Director Chris Furber added: “Natalie has had an outstanding swimming career with five Paralympic medals and a host of other international medals from World and European championships.
“She has made a significant contribution to swimming in her 13 years career, and is a fantastic ambassador for the sport.
“On behalf of British Swimming we wish her all the best in the future.”