Friend’s death led to Holmes’ retirement decision

KELLY HOLMES choked back the tears as she revealed the tragedy behind her decision to retire from athletics.

The double Olympic champion had planned on a glorious farewell in Melbourne next March by defending her 1,500 metres title at the Commonwealth Games. Holmes had recovered from the Achilles injury which forced her to miss the world championships and was back training well - but the tragic sudden death of a friend shocked Holmes into reassessing her career.

It made the 35-year-old former army sergeant realise she had nothing more to achieve in athletics and the time was right to retire.