Dumfries-born Olympic star Vicky Wright has announced her retirement from full-time curling.
The Beijing gold medal winner is planning to devote her time to her nursing career and family life.
Vicky, who is marrying her fiancée Greg Drummond in the summer, revealed her decision online earlier this week.
She said: “On the back of what can only be described as the most incredible experience of winning Olympic gold in Beijing, it is with much pride I announce my retirement from full-time curling to fully invest my time in my nursing career and family life.”
The 28-year-old was part of Eve Muirhead’s Great Britain team which beat Japan 10-3 in the final in February.
She had previously won gold and silver medals at the European championships.
In her announcement she said: “Curling has taken me to many corners of the world and introduced me to some amazing people. I will be forever grateful for the lifelong friends I have made because of curling.”
Vicky, a nurse at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, was on the frontline of patient care during the Covid crisis and juggled work with curling sessions.
She said: “My journey to this point has not been without challenges, mainly balancing the demands of training full-time with working a few shifts a week in a highly-pressured hospital environment.
“Having a strong perspective on life is something I pride myself on and I am incredibly proud of how I achieved my curling goals, particularly in this last year when I kept up my shift work as a NHS staff nurse during a global pandemic.
“To turn up at training in the final few months of preparation for the Games on the back of a night shift was a privilege not a chore.”
Vicky praised the many people who have helped her during her career and paid “special credit” to her colleagues at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
She added: “Without their unwavering support, my curling journey would not have been possible. The reception I received on my return from Beijing is something I will remember forever.”
Although retired from full-time curling, she plans to continue playing for fun.
She said: “I hope not to be a stranger to the game. I plan to keep my eye in and play some games with my friends.”
