Adam Pengilly, Two-time Winter Olympian and IOC Athlete Representative retires from skeleton
Twice GB Bob Skeleton Winter Olympian Adam Pengilly, 34, today announced his retirement from competition. During his career Pengilly, originally from Taunton, did much of his training at the University of Bath Sports Training Village.
In a 10-year career, Pengilly, who joined the sport from bobsleigh, was 2009 World Championships silver medallist in Lake Placid, USA, and 8th in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. Since 2003, he has been representing athletes in various ways, firstly within British Skeleton, and then the British Athletes’ Commission and National Olympic Committee.
He was elected by his fellow Olympians to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission at Vancouver 2010. Since then he has also been nominated to serve on several IOC Commissions and Working Groups, as well as the Board at the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).
Pengilly said: “It’s a fantastic sport and I still love tearing down a mountain at 90mph. It’s been a privilege representing Britain for nearly 15 years in Bob and Skeleton, and while there have been many highlights and enjoyable times, I am beginning to struggle travelling the whole winter and wish to spend more time with my wife, as well as making the most of my term on the IOC.”
He added: “Next on the agenda is London 2012, where I am looking forward to a fantastic spectacle that will make the nation proud. I will be hosting my IOC colleagues and so representing Britain in a very different way.
“There is ongoing and exciting work at the IOC with my fellow athletes, not to mention at WADA. I am also keen to get more involved on the BOA Board, while developing a career alongside my sporting responsibilities. I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the years, particularly my family and friends, and also those at British Skeleton who work hard to help us athletes achieve our goals. I must finally mention UK Sport and TASS, who have given great support to our sport.”
Bryn Vaile MBE, President of British Bob Skeleton, commented: ” I would like to personally thank Adam for all his committed work in the sport both on and off the ice. He has been part of a hugely successful programme over the past ten years that has consistently delivered World and Olympic success. I wish Adam every success both in his work in sport and beyond.”
