Dutch sprinter Dafne Schippers, a prominent figure in the world of track and field, has decided to hang up her spikes at 31.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she declared, “The race stops here.”
Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable career.
“As an athlete, you always know this day will come, that at one point, your career will be a moment in time—a collection of memories and hopefully medals,”
Schippers’ journey to becoming a sprinting sensation was characterized by determination and a knack for excelling in multiple events.
Her two 200m world titles in 2015 and 2017 solidified her status as one of the world’s fastest women. Additionally, she clinched a silver medal in the 100m at the 2016 Olympics.
Her Olympic and World Championship successes were complemented by a string of impressive performances in various events.
Schippers, a three-time Olympian, captured a bronze medal in the heptathlon at the 2013 World Championships before transitioning to sprinting.
Her sprinting prowess quickly became evident, and in 2014, she secured European titles in the 100m and 200m.
2015 was a standout year for Shippers.
At the World Championships in Beijing, she secured the gold in the 200m and narrowly missed the top spot in the 100m, earning a silver medal. Alongside taking the gold medal, Shippers set a new European record in the 200m, clocking a time of 21.63 seconds.
Her record still stands today.
Two years later, Schippers again claimed the 200m World Championship title, solidifying her place among the sprinting elite.
In 2018, she earned three medals at the European Championships in Berlin, further underscoring her dominance in the sport. In 2019, she secured a medal in the 60m at the Indoor European Championships.
However, injuries began to take a toll on Schippers in 2017.
She had to withdraw at the 2019 World Championships in Doha due to an adductor injury.
The following year, a vertebral fracture discovered in Italy dashed her hopes of competing in the European Championships.
Her last race occurred in July 2022, as persistent injuries ultimately led her to step away from the sport.
Despite her challenges, Schippers leaves an impressive legacy with five World Championship medals, eight European Championship medals, one Indoor World Championship medal, two Indoor European Championship medals, and an Olympic silver medal.
Her career was a testament to her dedication and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
As she describes in her Instagram post: “It has been a journey without regret.”
