体坛英语新闻：Britain's Olympic champion Chris Hoy announces retirement

EDINBURGH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Britain's six gold medal Olympian Chris Hoy on Thursday announced his retirement from cycling at the age of 37.

Hoy, who was born in Edinburgh, won two events at London 2012 Olympic Games and also secured 11 world titles during a glittering 19-year career.

Hoy made the announcement at Murrayfield Stadium in the capital of Scotland, noting that he would not attend the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow although the motivation was still there for him to go on to compete.

"It is not a decision I took easily or lightly but I know it is the right decision. Being objective, I got every last drop out in London," said Hoy.

He noted that the decision was made "literally down to whether I can do it or not" and did not want to "just make up numbers" at the Commonwealth Games next year.

Hoy will act as an ambassador for the Commonwealth Games, where the track cycling will take place at a velodrome named after him.

Commenting on Hoy's retirement, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said "Sir Chris Hoy is Scotland's greatest ever Olympian and one of the best sportsmen these islands have ever seen."

"He is a true sporting legend of whom the whole of Scotland is justifiably proud and whose achievements are unparalleled. As well as his six Olympic gold medals and numerous other championships, the impact he has had on the sport of cycling is immense," Salmond was quoted as saying in a statement.