I have now spent 25 years in the sport. Now I want more freedom in my life, more time to spend with my family. I don't want the hardship of training day in, day out for the next four years. I don't want to be going out on the river seven days a week, 49 weeks a year. I have had a great time in this sport, I wouldn't change a thing about my career. Now it's time to call it a day.With those words, the man who's seen his claim to be Britain's greatest ever Olympian cemented firmly into place after the results of this year's games, finally announced his retirement from the sport which he's given so much. After the theatrics of Atlanta and his gasping proclamation after the race that I hereby give permission to anybody who catches me in a boat again to shoot me, he chose the much more low key surroundings of a press conference in central London to make it for real this time. Rather than a flashy exit in front of the TV cameras after the race, he did all he could to ensure his departure didn't overshadow the other members of the rowing squad that had it's most successful international regatta ever.What lies in store for Steve is not what you might expect. Rather than a life of pro-celebrity golf and watching The Weakest Link on afternoon TV, he'll be back down the gym under the watchful eyes of his coach Jurgen Grobler. As a diabetic endurance athlete approaching middle age, he has little choice but to keep fit. Exercise helps control the diabetes, he explained. When you've trained as much as me and you have such a strong heart, there is a danger the heart muscle can turn to fat and become weak.Steve should send out a very strong message to all athletes, Grobler said. Golf is very nice but not what a retiring endurance athlete needs to maintain health. I feel responsible as his coach so I want to organise him, to help him find a good routine. With that in mind, one of Redgrave's potential goals is to run the London Marathon in April. ____________________________________________F E E D B A C KLike what you read? Dislike what you read? Ideas for future newsletters? Make sure to tell us at mailto:webmaster@vermonthouse.co.uk_________________________________________________________