“Her Olympic dream became reality, and now she’s chasing success in an entirely new sport”
Former Olympic shot putter Sophie McKinna has announced her retirement from athletics and started a new journey in rugby.
The 31-year-old represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics and won nine national shot put titles during her career. However, a serious elbow injury and ongoing funding challenges influenced her decision to step away from athletics.
McKinna has spent the last six months playing rugby and recently joined Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club. She now hopes to earn a place with a Premiership team.
The former shot put star said her experience in powerlifting and athletics has helped her adapt quickly to the physical demands of rugby. While she will miss competing as an athlete, she is excited about the opportunities ahead.
McKinna described becoming an Olympian as her greatest achievement and said she looks forward to this new chapter in her sporting career.