Scottish triathlete Marc Austin retires at age 26 due to heart condition

The Commonwealth Games triathlon medalist, Marc Austin, It has been retired at 26 after developing a heart condition.

Austin who won the bronze for Scotland in the Games of 2018, has been diagnosed with a arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a rare genetic heart disease.

Austin had to stop racing in 2019 after detecting “strange malfunctions of the heart“. Later in September the athlete commented that everything was fine and that he would look for some goal in 2020.

"Unfortunately, after being diagnosed with ARVC, I have decided to no longer pursue a career as a professional triathlete.", he said in a statement.

"I accomplished much more than I set out to do as a young athlete and loved every moment. I hope to continue to be involved in the sport in some way, as it is something I love and want to remain a part of. Thank you to everyone who played a role in my career over the years.".

Austin rose to fame at the 2014 Commonwealth Games when he escaped alongside Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, a test in which he finally finished 22nd.

Four years later, he managed to beat them in the WTS of Gold Coast where he was third, finishing ahead of the two brothers.

He regularly competed for Great Britain in the events of the ITU World Cup and Triathlon World Series and won 15 medals in age and elite groups.