British Paralympian Sam Hynd has decided to hang up his goggles for good, “I’ll miss the sport but I was ready for the next step,” Hynd told the BBC.
“I just felt it was time for a change and a new challenge in my life.
“I have been competing internationally for almost 10 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.”
Hynd’s greatest success came in the S8 400 freestyle where he won gold at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, bronze at the 2012 in London and a silver at the 2013 IPC World Championships in Montreal. In Beijing Hynd also picked up a bronze in the 200 IM.
“I want to thank everyone at British Para-Swimming for their support and everything they have done for my career over the years,” he added.
“I would also like to thank all of my coaches who have helped me on my journey.”
“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 in Montreal 2013.”
Chris Furber, Britain’s Paralympic National Performance Director told the BBC that during his career Hynd was an inspiration to many, “Sam was an excellent member of the team, who helped to inspire the next generation of athletes with his great success in the sport.
“Throughout his career he has shown huge dedication to the sport
“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.”
