Scotland’s most decorated female athlete in Commonwealth Games history, Jen McIntosh, has announced her retirement from competitive shooting with immediate effect.

Paul Bush, Chair at Commonwealth Games Scotland paid tribute to her remarkable career, wishing her all the best on her retirement:

“She was an inspirational figure for Team Scotland athletes in her three Games and hugely successful at World and European level,” he said. “She is a great ambassador for Commonwealth Games and for the sport of Shooting and I hope that she continues her involvement in some capacity as she steps away from the field of competition.”

Following silver at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, Jen won two gold and a bronze at the 2010 Commonwealth Games aged just 19. She went on to become the most decorated female athlete in Scottish Commonwealth Games history – a record previously held by her mother, Shirley – by adding silver and bronze to her tally at Glasgow 2014. Looking back on a career that also saw her compete for Team GB at two Olympic Games and win medals at World, Commonwealth and European Championships, she said:

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but was actually taken some time ago and is not in any way a reflection on recent performances or results. Over time, circumstances change and we have to reconsider what it is we really want from life and if the cost of chasing a dream is truly worth it. The circumstances surrounding my retirement are perhaps not what I would have chosen, they are what they are and I am confident I have made the right call.”

Jen competed at her third Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast 2018 in April and, earlier this month, won bronze at the World Championships in South Korea, alongside sister Seonaid and Zoe Bruce in the 50m Rifle Prone team event.

“I have achieved a huge amount over the last ten years and I am incredibly proud of what I have accomplished,” said Jen. “Sport will always hold a special place in my heart. It has taught me to enjoy the pursuit of excellence, not just the achievement of it. Those are values that I intend to live the rest of my life by and I am incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to learn that.”

Jen attributes her career to the support of a number of people who have helped her along the way.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my journey – sportscotland and the SIS, STS, UK Sport, British Shooting, Team GB, Team Scotland, my teammates, my support team, the people across the world who have followed my career and cheered me on all the way, my friends and my family. Maybe it’s a cliché to say it, but I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”