'Serving has been my honour': Olympic champion Pete Reed leaves Navy
The rowing medallist has been medically discharged from the Royal Navy.
Three-times Olympic rowing champion Lieutenant Commander Pete Reed has left the Royal Navy.
The Armed Forces' most decorated sportsman has been medically discharged and is starting a new life as a civilian.
"My time in the Royal Navy concludes today," he wrote in a message on Twitter.
"It is no exaggeration to say that joining up was the best thing I ever did and that serving has been my honour," he added.
He signed off with the words: "You have me for life #veteran," with an anchor and a salute emoji.
Lt Cdr Reed retired from international rowing in 2018, after winning the Olympic titles, five world championships and being awarded an OBE.
He rejoined the Navy full-time the same year, but in 2019 he suffered a spinal stroke that left him paralysed from the waist down.
He spent 18 months at the Defence Medical Rehab Centre (DMRC) at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire.
On leaving the DMRC, Lt Cdr Reed resumed his naval career, but a medical discharge followed soon after.
Tuesday, 19 July, was his final day in the Royal Navy and messages of thanks and support followed his Twitter post.