Scott Evans has announced his retirement from international badminton.

Evans became the first Irish badminton player to qualify for an Olympic Games when he represented the country at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He also took part of the Games in London 2012 and Rio de Janiero in 2016.

According to Independent.ie Evans says:

- The time is the right to retire after 14 years of full-time training and full-time participation on the world tour. I know what it takes to be a professional athlete every single day and what I need to do to be at my best and I don’t have the same desire as before. Having the opportunity to finish my career while representing my country will be the best way to end this chapter.

Positive record
Evans has a positive record of 233 wins and 212 losses including tournament victories in Irish Open 2012, Cyprus International 2013 and Brasil Open 2014.

- I am very grateful to Badminton Ireland, Sport Ireland, The Olympic Council of Ireland and Hegarty Financial Management  for giving me the opportunities to live my dream and be a professional badminton player for 14 years.  Without their support my journey wouldn’t have been possible, Evans says according to Independent.ie.

- I would like to sincerely thank my parents and brother who have been through the highest highs and when I have hit rock bottom. I would also like to thank Jim Laugesen who took me on at 17 years of age and still helps me to this day and to Camilla, for all her support.

The last international tournament for Scott Evans will be the 2018 European Men's & Women's Team Championships in Kazan next week.