Rob Heffernan has called time on his race walking career.
The 40-year-old competed at five Olympic Games and seven World Championships.
The high point of a decorated career came five years ago when he won gold in the 50km race walk at the World Championships in Moscow.
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He also has a bronze medal from the same event at 2012 London Olympics and a bronze from the 20km race walk at the 2010 European Championships.
He finished eighth at last summer's World Championships in London.
Heffernan retires to take up a role as Community & Youth Ambassador for Cork with Bank Of Ireland.
Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams said Heffernan will also be taking up a consultancy role with the organisation.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
