BRITAIN's former BMX world champion Liam Phillips is retiring from the sport after failing to recover from a career ending wrist injury.

Phillips, who is from Burnham-on-Sea, injured his hand and wrist in a crash in February. 

The 28-year-old, who represented Great Britain in three Olympic Games, has enjoyed a 23 year long career during which his accolades include being crowned as world champion in 2013, winning a silver medal in the time trial event at the BMX World Championships in 2012.

He was the first male BMXer in history to win back to back world cup series titles. 

Stephen Park, performance director at Great British Cycling, said: “I’d like to personally congratulate Liam on his career, thank him for inspiring so many to take up the sport and offer my commiserations to him for the early end to his career due to injury.

“The UCI BMX World Cup in Zolder was one of the first major events I attended since my appointment, and I’ve seen first-hand the level of commitment, fitness and courageousness required to succeed on the BMX world stage. I have a lot of respect for Liam in maintaining a world-class standard in all these areas throughout his career and serving as an inspiration to many, including his programme peers.

“Liam can be proud of what he’s achieved, winning 11 gold medals at world championship and world cup level is a great achievement given the unpredictable nature of the sport. Perhaps what is most impressive for me is his victory at the Manchester world cup on four consecutive occasions, overcoming the pressure and expectancy from the home crowd to perform near-flawless runs and take the wins.

“On behalf of the Great Britain Cycling Team, I would like to wish Liam all the best for his future endeavours.”