Joe Chadwick, known as Guernsey's fastest man, has retired from athletics at 24 due to persistent injuries. The sprinter holds the island's 100m record and achieved notable successes in international competitions. He shared his reluctant decision in an interview with BBC Radio Guernsey.
Joe Chadwick's retirement marks the end of a promising career in sprinting for the Guernsey athlete. At 24, he steps away after injuries, including one requiring surgery in August, forced him to reconsider his future in the sport. Chadwick, who earned the title of Guernsey's fastest man, set the island's 100m record of 10.60 seconds during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, a mark that remains unbroken.
His achievements include a gold medal in the 100m at the 2019 Island Games in Gibraltar, where he clocked 10.82 seconds and became the first Guernsey sprinter to win the event since 2005. That year, he secured three gold medals overall at the Games. More recently, Chadwick won silver in the 100m at the 2023 Island Games held on home soil.
Reflecting on his decision, Chadwick told BBC Radio Guernsey, "It's been a slow decision. It's taken a while to beat me down, I'm a reasonably stubborn athlete." He emphasized his dedication, stating, "I've put a lot of time and effort into the sport and if it was my choice I would still be going." After discussions with his physiotherapist, concerns about the injury worsening led him to conclude that he had "leave no leaf unturned and still fail." He described it as the sport saying 'no' to him.
Chadwick highlighted the strong support system for athletes in Guernsey, contrasting it with experiences in the UK. He praised figures like Guernsey Athletics development officer Tom Druce for fostering growth in the sport. The island's athletics scene has gained prominence, with Alastair Chalmers earning Guernsey's first Commonwealth Games medal—a bronze in the 400m hurdles in Birmingham four years ago.
Looking ahead, Chadwick expressed optimism for Guernsey's future talents. "I hope they do [beat the record]," he said. "I think the island's capable of much faster times than I set out." His full interview airs on BBC Radio Guernsey's Danny Parkinson's sports show.