LONDON, June 5: Britain's Nathan Robertson, a former Olympic silver medallist, announced his retirement from badminton on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old, who won the mixed doubles silver medal with Gail Emms in Athens eight years ago, decided to hang up his racquet after his failure to qualify for the London Olympics later this year.

Robertson revealed his retirement on Twitter: “So I can now officially say. I AM RETIRED.... Thank you to everyone who supported and helped me throughout my entire career.

“The truly special people already know how thankful and respectful I am of them. I leave with great memories and even better friendships. “I now look forward to a summer of rest and retirement celebration, my home bar is open 24hrs a day people. Proud memories.”

Robertson had always intended to bow out after this year's Olympics, but, after choosing to focus on mixed doubles only, his hopes of competing in London with new partner Jenny Wallwork were ended last week when Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier, last year's world championships runners-up, were confirmed as Team GB's representatives.—AFP