The British athlete overcame a horrific knee injury in 2007 to win medals at the Olympics, World and European Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
In 2007, Asha Philip had the world at her feet. He won the world under-18 100m title in Ostrava and was named British Athletics Writers’ Association Junior Athlete of the Year.
Within days, however, AW: received a phone call Sean Pickering – shooter and great supporter of British athletics – let’s say Philip suffered a terrible knee injury during the World Trampoline Championships in Canada.
Among other things, he tore his cruciate ligament and it was thought to be potentially career-ending.
Not only did Philip fight back and return to the track, but he continued to enjoy a career at the highest level for many years until now (June 19), announcing his retirement at the age of 35.
The beginning student of stage theater, which she will graduate from in that subject, did not make a fuss either. He simply continued his rehab and slowly returned to full fitness.
In a career spanning over 19 years, Philip represented Great Britain at all levels, from winning World Youth Gold in 2007 and a number of British 100m and 60m titles, to the global stage where he won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medals, including bronze in the 4x1001m 4×10016 and 2 Olympics.
Known for his lightning starts, he was the former British record holder in the 60m and was the 2017 European indoor 60m champion.
The 35-year-old leaves the sport as the seventh fastest woman over 100m in British history with a personal best of 11.10.
“Sport has been a way of life and I am very grateful for everything it has given me. Starting my career in gymnastics and athletics gave me such a broad understanding of sports, and becoming world junior champion in both showed that I had something special. But my true resilience came after a serious knee injury in 2007 that threatened my athletic career.
“To come back from that difficult period and become a double Olympic medallist, three-time World medallist, alongside multiple European, Commonwealth and British gold medals, was the greatest achievement of my life.
“I wouldn’t have achieved what I have in this sport without the most amazing support system around me, centered around my family, friends, coaches, agents and of course the amazing people at British Athletics who have all been there to help me be great.
“I leave the competitive side of this beloved sport with only great memories and now it’s time to inspire the next generation of athletes around the world to pursue their dreams, maximize their potential and achieve what they believe is possible. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my story. See less
