Four-time world champion and world Ironman record holder Chrissie Wellington has decided to take a break from competition in 2012 in order to "pursue other interests."
33 year-old Wellington, unbeaten in the 13 races she has competed in since 2007, announced on her the news via a statement on her personal website.
"I’ve given absolutely everything to Ironman over the past five years," she explained. "However, this year I’ve decided to take a break as I would like to spend more time focusing on other pursuits including dedicating more time to my chosen charities, the publication of my book and more active promotion of the sport in the UK, as well as giving myself the chance to explore and seize new opportunities within triathlon and outside.
"I feel that I wouldn’t be able to pursue all of these different goals whilst simultaneously dedicating the energy and time needed to compete in Ironman events and treat them with the respect and complete dedication they deserve.
Wellington's autobiography, A Life Without Limits: A World Champion's Journey, is set to be published in May.
