Phil Healy: 'It is time for my body to have the break it needs'

Ireland's trailblazing sprinter Phil Healy called time on her career at the age of 31.

The winner of 17 national senior titles, who represented Ireland in two Olympics, and was key to successful relay teams, Healy is one of the most successful sprinters the country has seen.

The Cork woman, who won a European championship silver medallist in the women’s 4x400m relay in 2024, was also part of the relay side that finished fourth in the Paris Olympics.

Battling through pain and adversity through much of her career, Healy spoke to BreakingNews.ie on why she was happy to retire on her own terms.

"For me, I always wanted to go out on my own terms. I never wanted to be forced out through injury or anything like that.

"I said, would I stop after the Paris Olympic Games? That was just thinking during the 2024 year, my physio just said forget about that decision for now, once you know, you will know.

"Went on to the 2025 season, I did struggle to find form and perform to my standard. I had to go and get shoulder surgery in October. I always knew the timeline for that was going to take a minimum of four months before I was going to go back to normal training.

"I went back to training to see if I had the desire, and I didn't have it anymore. Battling other things like my thyroid and medication increases, I decided now it is time for my body to have the break it needs."

There may not have been a farewell race or a big moment before Healy's career came to an end, but the Cork woman is happy to make the decision to step away from the sport.

"I can walk away from the track knowing I have given it everything. I was fully in control of the decision.

"There are so many athletes who are constantly trying to fight back from injury and give