Christine Ohuruogu hinted that retirement could be on the cards after her bid for a third straight Olympic 400 metres medal was ended before the final in Rio.
The 32-year-old, who won gold in Beijing and silver in London, had to settle for fifth place in her semi-final with a time of 51.22 seconds.
She told the BBC: “I think it’s one minute to midnight and this girl is about to turn into a pumpkin. I think it’s coming to an end, training is getting harder and I’m getting old.”
Ohuruogu, who has also won two world titles, has struggled with fatigue this year, having to rely on the discretion of the selectors to even earn a spot on the Great Britain team.
“I thought after yesterday [in the heats], ‘The old Christine is back’, but I think she only paid a fleeting visit — she’s gone,” the Londoner said.
“I have to be really honest. I know I’m a championship performer, but it only works when I work and I’ve got everything in my legs. It’s been a tough year as I’ve had so many distractions and aggravations and it does take its toll.
“I’ve got 12 years of running in my legs. I can’t train as I was 10 years ago — I can’t train so much as I was four years ago. It is getting a little bit harder now.”
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