First Scottish medallist Austin calls time on career

Marc Austin, the first athlete to win a Commonwealth Games Triathlon medal for Scotland, has announced his retirement due to a medical condition.

The 26-year-old, who took bronze in the men’s individual event at Gold Coast in 2018, suffers from arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare heart disease.

In a statement, Austin said: “Having been diagnosed with ARVC, I have decided to no longer pursue a career as a professional triathlete. 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 as it is something I love and want to remain a part of.

“Thanks to everyone who played a part in my career over the years.”

Austin won 15 medals on the world stage at every age group, including bronze for Team GB at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in 2012, bronze at the European Junior Championships the following year and gold in the mixed team relay at the ETU Triathlon European Championships.

In an inspirational performance at Gold Coast in 2018, he finished third ahead of World and Olympic medallists Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee.

Fiona Lothian, Triathlon Scotland’s head of performance, said: “Marc’s outstanding bronze 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.

“We are saddened that his racing career has been cut short at an early age and he will no longer be able to compete on a world stage. Marc has already started to support the next generation of Scottish triathletes who are part of the group he trained with in Glasgow.

“We look forward to working with him in this capacity in the future as his enthusiasm and experience are invaluable.

“We wish him all the best for the future, and we will work with British Triathlon to support him as he transitions into a new phase of his life.