2016 Olympic High Jump Champion Ruth Beitia Retires At Age 38

By Adam Kopet

Richard Martins of Reuters reports Ruth Beitia of Spain has retired, citing recent injuries as a large factor in her decision.

Beitia had a near perfect 2016 in the high jump. She started the year with a silver medal at the IAAF World Indoor Championships. Then she won gold at the European Outdoor Championships before becoming the first Spanish female to win Olympic gold.

This year, hampered by injuries, Beitia finished last in the high jump final at the IAAF World Outdoor Championships.

Beitia ends her career with a best of 6-7.5 (2.02m). In addition to her 2016 medals, she has earned two World Outdoor Championship bronze medals and both a silver and bronze at World Indoor Championships.

Beitia briefly retired in 2012 after finishing fourth at the London Olympics, but she returned to training two months later. In 2011, Beitia was elected to the regional parliament of Cantabria, a position she still holds, despite the PP Party, which she represents, losing power in 2015.