Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Commonwealth gold medal-winning decathlete Dean Macey has retired from athletics at the age of 30.
The Canvey Island-born athlete has struggled to overcome a series of injuries that have prevented him from repeating his success at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.
Macey failed to earn enough points to qualify for the British Olympic team for Beijing at an event in Hexham last weekend.
Macey came agonisingly close to a position on the podium in the last two Olympics, finishing fourth in Sydney in 2000 and fourth again in Athens in 2004.
However, a series of injury setbacks have prevented him regaining the form he showed in Melbourne.
Among the most serious of his injuries was one to his elbow, which required reconstructive surgery.
During the qualifying event at Hexham at the weekend he suffered a thigh injury, ruling him out of contention for this summer's Games.
Macey said the decision to retire was toughest of his life, but that his fitness could not allow him to carry on.
He said: "My heart is there, my mind is there, but my body has finally given in.
"I've given nothing but 100 per cent over the last decade and worn my Great Britain vest with pride."
Macey burst onto the scene in 2001 when he won the silver medal at the World Championships in Seville.
UK Athletics performance director Dave Collins said he was sure Macey would have been in the medals had he been injury-free.
"Everyone at UKA is gutted for Dean that he won't be going to Beijing. He is a warrior.
"He has been an outstanding professional throughout his career and his drive and determination to succeed should serve as an example to every aspiring Olympian," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments