David Phelps, one of Wales’ greatest shooters, has decided to retire from international competition after picking up his second Commonwealth Games gold medal earlier in the year.
The 41-year-old former Whitchurch HS pupil turned back the clock to recapture his golden form by winning his second gold on Australian soil as he followed up his 2006 golden shot in Melbourne with a second title on the Gold Coast in the Men’s 50m Prone Rifle.
“This announcement is long overdue, but I guess I’ve been struggling to come to terms with the decision and to accept it myself. But all good things must come to an end and I’ve decided to retire as an international shooter for both Wales and Great Britain,” said Phelps, who shot for Team GB at seven World Championships.
“For all the celebrations, the ups and downs, the long days at the range, it has been a wonderful career. Even though it wasn’t easy, I will miss being an athlete.
“I feel very fortunate to have met an amazing bunch of like-minded athletes and coaches from around the world and to have competed in so many countries, my favourite being Australia for obvious reasons, and competitions, making many friends along the way.
“Who knows what’s next. I want to keep enjoying my sport and taking part and it was amazing to finish on top of the podium at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and hearing the Welsh national anthem.
The time has come to announce my retirement as International Sport Shooting Athlete. What's next? I'll let you know when I do!! pic.twitter.com/sVF1flpWr7
— David Phelps (@davethechamp600) October 1, 2018
“I have always been a rifle shooter and I look forward to inspiring the next generation of shooters here in Wales in Great Britain.”
Phelps became the only Welsh athlete to strike gold twice in shooting at the Commonwealth Games as he kept Scotland’s Neil Stirton and England’s Kenneth Parr at bay as he moved from seventh in qualifying to the top of the podium.
He was second after the 10 shots of the first competition stage before going on to dominate the field after his 15th shot, in which he snatched a massive 10.7.
Phelps never dipped below 10.0 for the next nine shots to grab the gold medal in a Games record score of 248.8 to defeat Stirton in the final elimination round. That made it three Commonwealth medals in total from five Games, having also won a bronze in 2006 in the pairs.
The fact his second win came on his 41st birthday made it all the sweeter and his wife and parents were among the crowd who toasted his success by singing him ‘Happy Birthday’.
“I knew I had it in me to get to the final, but I managed to hold my nerve and just rely on 20 or 30 years of experience. It is truly awesome and epic, a very pleasant surprise,” admitted Phelps after his Gold Coast triumph.
“Having the crowd sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me afterwards was very special. My friends and family came halfway around the world to see me.
“I can’t describe it – winning the first one in 2006 and then winning a second one – I can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it. Words escape me, it’s the best, the absolute best.”