HALESOWEN'S Olympic bronze medallist Kristian Thomas has announced his retirement from gymnastics.

The 28-year-old Earls Gymnastics Club member was part of the British men’s team that reached the podium in 2012 and narrowly missed out in Rio four years later.

Kristian also won two World Championship medals, including an individual bronze in the men’s vault final in Antwerp in 2013.

The former national team captain said: “I think now is the right time, having achieved everything I’ve ever dreamed of in the sport and been lucky enough to compete at the highest level.

“Now is the time to try something new. I started gymnastics 23 years ago and I’ve always found it exciting, challenging and unique which is what has kept me in the sport so long.”

Kristian has been trained by Earls Gymnastics Club’s Michelle Baker, a Black Country sports coach of the year award-winner, since the age of five.

Following Kristian’s announcement, the Furnace Lane-based club took to social media to praise their “home grown” Olympic hero.

A message posted on the club’s Facebook page said: “A huge congratulations for such a great career it’s been a pleasure to watch you grow and develop as you became successful.

“Also a huge well done to Michelle Baker coaching Kristian from five-years-old and helping to mould and shape the successful gymnasts that he has become.

“We wish both Kristian and Michelle all the very best as they both move forward into new challenges and adventures.

“It’s been an enjoyable journey thank you for everyone’s hard work making such a success.”