Swim superstar Keri-Anne retiring
KERI-ANNE Payne, one of Stockport Metro’s greatest swim stars, has announced her retirement from swimming.
The two-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist told followers on Twitter: “All good things must come to an end! What an epic chapter swimming has had in my life! Thank you all for the support along the way.”
The former Stockport Metro star claimed silver as the 10km open-water event made its Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008.
Keri-Anne, 29, won world gold in 2011 and 2013, but top spot on the Olympics podium proved elusive.
Rio was a third successive Games for the open water swimmer but she was unable to add to her silver after finishing seventh in what was a gruelling battle along the Copacabana bay.
“The sport of swimming has given me life-defining experiences, helped me find joy in taking on incredible challenges and created friendships that have enriched my life,” said former Cardinal Langley RC High School pupil Keri-Anne.
“The decision to retire from competitive swimming has been made easy as I continue to chase and fuel my passion, inspiring people to share my love of open water.
“I’ve loved being part of the huge transformation in open-water swimming.
“In 2008 I had to explain what my event was, four years later I walked out in front of 30,000 fans for my race at the London 2012 Olympic Games. That was my proudest sporting moment.”
She added: “Thank you all so much for all the love and support over the awesome 18-year chapter of my life.”
After Rio Keri-Anne, who grew up in Heywood after moving from South Africa aged 13, was invited to a civic reception at Rochdale town hall alongside the borough’s other Olympians Nicola White, of Littleborough, and Joanna RowsellShand, of Middleton.
British Swimming national performance director Chris Spice said: “Keri-anne has been an exceptional ambassador for swimming throughout her long career. She has inspired many around her with her training ethic and determination to succeed at the very top level.”
Keri-anne met husband – and fellow GB swimmer – David Carry while with Stockport Metro, but they have since moved to Edinburgh.