REDDITCH speed skater Charlotte Gilmartin has announced her retirement.

The 2018 British Champion, 28, leaves GB short track speed skating after 13 years of being involved with the national team.

Gilmartin first got involved with the sport after joining Solihull Mohawks at the age of 12.

She quickly moved up the ranks and began working with the GB team at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham.

He progress continued thanks to the coaching of Seung Jae Lee, a former Korean Olympic Skater who joined the GB Short Track coaching team in 2012.

Gilmartin qualified for her first Olympics at the age of 23 and competed at Sochi 2014 alongside teammate and friend Elise Christie.

More international success followed with a 1,500 bronze medal at the World Cup in and a silver at the European Championships.

The talented skater also played a big part within the ladies relay team, leading them to a British record time in 2016.

She qualified for her second Olympics in PyeongChang earlier this year but fell in the 1,500m semi-final meaning she was unable to fulfil her Olympic medal ambitions.

Gilmartin bounced back to be crowned British Champion and end her career on a high.

"Now is the right time for me to retire, I’ve finished on a high winning the British Championships and I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life," she told GB Short Track.

"I definitely want to stay close to the sport I love, it’s given me so many opportunities, skills and enjoyment. I hope to see the sport continue to grow, and more young girls getting involved. Both Elise Christie and Kat Thomson are fantastic role models for the sport. I will enjoy watching closely from the barrier from now on.

“I’d like to thank all the GB Short Track team and staff for helping me to reach my potential. As well as my family and friends, particularly my husband and former GB skater Ian, who have all been the greatest supporters, you guys have been so patient and understanding with my journey as an athlete.

“UK Sport and the National Lottery funding has allowed me to compete at the top of my sport and I would not have been able to achieve what I have without it. I will be forever grateful.”