Record-breaking Scottish Olympian forced to retire at 31 due to ‘cruel’ illness

Scottish athlete Beth Dobbin has been forced to retire aged 31 after ‘battling a serious and life-changing health issue’.

Dobbin, who holds her nation’s 200m record, competed at the 2020 Olympics and won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Getty

However, her unfortunate circumstances have meant that she hasn’t been able to compete for the last three years.

And now she has reluctantly called time on her career due to a heart issue that has been denying her the chance to race.

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Dobbin explained: “It’s with a heavy heart I announce my retirement from professional track and field.

“For the past three years, I’ve been battling a serious and life-changing health issue. I hope to go into more detail in the future (health willing), but unfortunately, it’s not something I have the capacity for at the moment.

“Unlike injuries, where you are surrounded by physio experience to get you back on track, this often isn’t the case with illness. Instead, it’s been a journey of getting answers and trialling treatment.”

The 200m sprinter added: “On one hand, my career feels like it’s been cut short and it feels cruel not to be retiring on my own terms.

“On the other, I achieved so much more than I ever expected.”

After giving thanks to her family and teammates, Dobbin then concluded: “Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me over the past three years, it truly has been unimaginable and the worst time of my life. I’ve learnt it’s easy to be there when things are going well, but you find out who’s truly there for you when it’s not.

“I may not be leaving the sport with an Olympic medal, but I’m leaving with many dreams fulfilled, more than I ever thought I was capable of. When you step away you realise the records and performances are nice, but the friendships are invaluable and I’ve made friends for life.

“I’m not sure what my future will look like, but if my health does ever improve, I hope to return to the sport. Health really is the most precious thing, never take it for granted!”

Getty

Messages of support

Dobbin’s fellow athletes and teammates sent heartfelt messages in reply to her retirement announcement on social media.

800m world record holder and Team GB superstar Keely Hodgkinson wrote: “Congrats, Beth! Sending love on your journey xx.”

Olympic long-jumper Jazmin Sawyers said: “Beth I can’t tell you how often myself and other athletes bring you up as an example and as an inspiration, what a privilege to have been around at the same time as you, to share teams and moments together.

“Congratulations on your success and on remaining the beautiful person that you are throughout both the triumphs and the difficulties. Sending so much love.”

Meanwhile, Team Scotland posted: “Everyone at Team Scotland would like to thank Beth for her outstanding contribution.”

And Scottish Athletics wrote: “A career to be proud of. Everyone at Team Scotland would like to thank Beth for her outstanding contribution.”

Getty

Dobbin’s career highlights

In one of her career highlights, Dobbin reached the semi-finals in the 200m at the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

She is also a bronze medal winner at the Commonwealth Games after competing in the 4x400m relay for Scotland.

It was in 2018 that the 31-year-old set the Scottish record for the 200m, beating the previous best that was set 34 years prior.

Dobbin is also a previous British title holder and has raced at the European Championships and World Championships.