Athletics: National discuss champion Connor Bell retires
New Zealand discus record holder Connor Bell has announced his retirement from high-performance athletics at age 25. He plans to transition into community work, mentorship, and public speaking.
Why it matters
Bell's early retirement marks the end of a significant career for a national record holder and Olympian, highlighting the personal transitions athletes often face.
New Zealand men's discus record holder Connor Bell has retired from the sport.
Bell is an Olympian, a two-time world championships finalist and 14-time national senior and age-group champion.
He won gold at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires and competed at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The 25-year-old holds the New Zealand discus record at 69.51 metres. That mark came at a meeting in Ramona, Oklahoma, in April last year and at the time took him into the top 50 all-time for throws.
Bell has told supporters his decision comes amid a shift towards community work and mentorship, involving public speaking and school visits.
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