Andy Turner may have retired from international athletics, but the Cheam sprinter is far from taking things easy.

Moreover, despite being crowned Commonwealth Games and European champion over the 110m hurdles in a career that spanned 10 years, the athlete’s fondest memory of life on the track is different from what you may expect.

Since officially hanging up his running shoes in September last year, Turner has turned his hand to media work, the Model Fitness circuit and Sunday League football.

And although the 34-year-old finished his competitive career on a high, there was a time when he could easily have walked away.

“I have had up and downs in my career that stick in the mind, standing on top the podium at the Euros and Commonwealth Games was amazing,” he said.

“But racing at the Great City Games in Newcastle last year really sticks out.

“Because it was my last-ever race they did a big montage on TV of my career, and at the end my team-mates drenched me in a bottle of champagne and the ice bucket.

“It was a really nice way to go out.”

He added: “When my mum passed away in 2013, and I had an Achilles operation, I did not think I would run again. I had given up on everything.

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Champion: Andy Turner won European 110m hurdles gold in Barcelona in 2010

“So to come back from those two negatives, to make the Commonwealth Games last year, and then finish on my own terms as opposed to an injury and feeling bad about my mum – it was perfect.”

While Turner is not missing the competitive edge of athletics, he is ensuring he is not far away from the action.

So much so, he has swapped his shorts and bib for a suit, tie and microphone.

He said: “I was asked by UK Athletics to be the in-field presenter at the Indoor British Championships in February.

“It was odd because I was interviewing old team-mates, but people said I was a natural, so I am hoping it will lead to more offers.”

He added: “Athletics is my life, I lived and breathed the sport professionally for more than a decade. It’s a passion, but I don’t miss being on the track.”

Away from the athletics stadiums, Turner has rekindled a passion for football that saw him play at the old Wembley stadium as an 11-year-old for Notts County – something that jars as he is a Nottingham Forest fan.

And after a hiatus from the sport while he won gold at the European Championship and Commonweatlh Games in 2010, he is back and playing for Central Ward in Division Two of the Leatherhead & District League.

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Champagne send off: Andy Turner with team-mate Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

He said: “Football was my love as a kid, I played at Wembley when I was 11 years old and I signed on for Notts County.

“I’d not played for 16 years because of athletics, then in November I started to play again, and I’m loving it.”

Turner is also spending time in the gym hoping to get on the Model Fitness circuit for those with an exemplary physique, as well as embarking on a training boot camp based around sprinting, so watch this space.