Olympian Gareth Evans retires with emotional tribute to partner and mentor

A former Commonwealth Gold medal winning weightlifter from Anglesey has announced his retirement from the sport and paid tribute to his partner and his long-time mentor.

Gareth Evans, from Holyhead, told fans in a heartfelt message on social media that he has decided to retire from the sport after a glittering 24-year career as a weightlifter.

The 35-year-old has achieved an incredible amount of success in the sport, having won gold in the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia and also representing Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

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In a message on Twitter, Evans said: "With an extremely proud but equally heavy heart, the time has come for me to retire from the sport that has given me so much to live for for a very long time.

"I can't even begin think of how many people that need to be thanked for their support, input, time, energy and patience over the years but know this, you have all made my experience better than I ever could have imagined and more!"

Evans went on to thank his partner Hannah and his long time coach and mentor Ray Williams of the Holyhead and Anglesey Weightlifting and Fitness Centre. Williams himself was a Commonwealth champion, winning gold at the 1986 games in Edinburgh.

Evans said: "Hannah has been everything I could have asked for in a partner. Even when things have been at their lowest point she has still been there to help me achieve and reach my highest.

"It's safe to say that 2018 Commonwealth gold medal wouldn't be sat on our shelf at home if not for you.

"Ray Williams, not many people are lucky enough to share a journey with someone for such a long time. My coach, mentor and one of my