Chris Thompson, a two-time Olympian for Great Britain has announced his retirement from elite running after a professional career that spanned over two decades.

The long-distance runner represented his nation at the 2012 and 2020 Olympic Games as well as winning a silver medal at the 2010 European Championships in the 10,000m race.

"I don't know where to startโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆโ€ฆ. And I'm sure it won't come of a shock to all that know me, but my time has come to start a new chapter," Thompson announced on his social media that boasts over 12 thousand followers on Instagram.

"This weekend I was very lucky to have the opportunity to celebrate and announce my retirement from elite running at the #GNRย weekend. I can't thank both the great run team and bbc enough for letting me cry(of joy) on tv for one last time.

"Although, you will see me a couple more times and officially finish my final race at the great south run mid Oct. A race which holds many great memories for me.

There isn't enough space or time to go through all the thanks I want to make. Just know I will thank you all personally if not already! As a young lad I never imagined the joy and amazing people I'd meet along the way.

"It's hard to explain what the last 30 years has meant and done for me. I'll take time to digest and hopefully process it all.

"I started as an immature, hard to take serious, silly billy. I finish proud to have never changed.

I'm excited about starting a new chapter and can't wait to finally rest and watch from the sidelines. I'll always be a runner and will bounce around the odd run or two. But it's time to give the body a rest and set goals around a new lifestyle and commitments.

""What's next? I'm not going anywhere. In time I'll be able to form a new way of operating in the sport I love. I'll do my best to ensure the sport keeps everyone's dreams alive like it has for me.

"If the next chapter is half as good as the last one, I'm in for a treat. Time to start digging out the old embarrassing photos which aren't digital!

"But I'll try to enjoy this final 6 weeks and say Thank you everyone! You made it more special than I get my head around."