One of the best highjumpers of all time, Ruth Beitia, retires from sport

One of the most decorated high jumpers in history of track and field Ruth Beitia of Spain announced her retirement from sports on Wednesday, October 18 at the Santander Sports Museum.

"It has been many years of experience in which on many occasions I have put the body to the limit. The situation I'm facing now have led me me to leave my sports career." said Beitia standing alongside with her long time coach Ramón Torralbo. 

The Spanish athlete was pending medical tests to confirm possible rheumatoid arthritis. Depending on the outcome of the medical test results Beitia would decide whether to continue competing. Finally Beitia chose to hang up her spikes for good.

Beitia will retire from Athletics as one of the most successful female high-jumper in history of athletics.

Beitia has won total of 16 medals in Olympics, World and European championships.  

Last year at age of 37 she won her first Olympic medal by claiming high jump gold in Rio. At 2013 World outdoor championships in Moscow Beitia claimed bronze. She also won four World indoor championships medals; 2 silver medals in 2010 and 2016 and 2 bronze medals in 2006 and 2014. 

At European championships Beitia won four European championships titles. The Spaniard won three European outdoor titles in 2012, 2014 and 2016 and claimed European Indoor title in 2013. She has also won 4 European indoor silvers in 2005, 2009, 2011 and 2017.

Beitia holds Spanish record 2.02m from 2017 season.