Heart condition retires Scot Austin

Commonwealth Games triathlon medallist Marc Austin has retired at the age of 26 after developing a heart condition.

Austin, who won bronze for Scotland at the 2018 Games, has been diagnosed with rare arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Austin had a year out of action after reporting some “strange heart malfunctions” but had reported getting the all-clear in September 2019 and declared himself “keen for action”.

“Unfortunately, having been diagnosed with ARVC, I have decided to no longer pursue a career as a professional triathlete,” he said in a statement.

“I achieved way more than I set out to do as a young athlete and loved every moment. I hope to stay involved in the sport in some capacity.”

Austin shot to prominence 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He broke away from the field at Strathclyde Park with Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee but eventually finished in 22nd place.

However, for years later he finished ahead of both English brothers in the Gold Coast in Australia.

He regularly competed for Great Britain at the ITU World Cup and World Triathlon Series events and won 15 medals on the world stage overall throughout the age groups into senior competition.

Fiona Lothian, Triathlon Scotland’s head of performance, said: “Marc’s outstanding bronze medal at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, achieving Scotland’s first medal of the Games and a first ever Scottish medal in triathlon, will go down in history.” in the

Triathlete Marc Austin won bronze for Scotland in the 2018 Commonwealths.