England’s Chelsea Pitman has introduced her retirement from worldwide netball; 35-year-old says she needs handle being pregnant points after sharing her expertise of miscarriage in 2020; Pitman stated she was “grateful, grateful and completely honoured to name myself a Rose”
Final Up to date: 18/09/23 4:15pm
Chelsea Pitman earned 52 caps for the Vitality Roses
England’s Chelsea Pitman has introduced her retirement from worldwide netball.
The 35-year-old earned 52 caps for the Vitality Roses and featured in England’s first World Cup ultimate match in Cape City earlier this yr, the place England have been crushed 61-45 by Australia.
Pitman says she needs to “delve a bit deeper” into being pregnant points she has skilled prior to now.
“I’ve made the extraordinarily powerful determination to retire from worldwide netball,” Pitman stated. “I by no means thought I would be somebody who selected to retire from the worldwide stage, but it surely’s the correct time for me.
“I have never been secretive with saying that I’ve tried to turn into a mum prior to now and that I’ve had points,” she added.
“I believe it is time that I delve a bit deeper into why my physique failed me in relation to that. I’ll miss it, however you will nonetheless see me. I really like you all.”
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Watch as Australia beat England within the Netball World Cup ultimate in South Africa.
Watch as Australia beat England within the Netball World Cup ultimate in South Africa.
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After defeat within the Netball World Cup ultimate in opposition to Australia, the England gamers accumulate their silver medals in South Africa.
After defeat within the Netball World Cup ultimate in opposition to Australia, the England gamers accumulate their silver medals in South Africa.
Pitman was born in Australia and performed for The Diamonds in 2011, serving to them win the Netball World Cup in Singapore earlier than switching to England in 2017.
She additionally helped London Pulse to their first Grand Closing within the Netball Tremendous League this yr the place they have been crushed by Loughborough Lightning 57-48.
Pitman stated: “I have a look at my time as a Rose, and each different alternative I’ve needed to step out on the worldwide stage as a netballer, and it has been the most effective time of my life. What an epic journey. What a rollercoaster and I would not change a single factor.
“I am so grateful for the chance to have the ability to name myself a Rose, for saying ‘sure, put me up for choice!’ as a result of if I did not do this, how boring my life would have been, as a result of I’ve made the most effective of pals, and I’ve made and created historical past. We achieved issues that folks thought have been unattainable for us.”
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Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby stated it was an “absolute pleasure” to work with Pitman.
“She has not solely impressed so many together with her on-court aptitude, netball nous and aggressive spirit, however I’ve such admiration and respect for her as an individual.
“Chelsea wears her coronary heart on her sleeve and her ardour for the Roses and dedication to tug on the crimson gown is unquestionable. It not solely means rather a lot to her, however now we have been richer for having her as a Rose.”
Pitman discusses anguish of miscarriage
In 2021, Pitman spoke to Sky Sports activities about her miscarriage to construct consciousness.
“Being an athlete, my physique is my job and often, does what it’s instructed to do (skilled to do). However, one factor my physique has failed at a number of occasions is being pregnant. I by no means ever thought this might be the case or realise how completely devastating each loss is.”
Learn the total interview right here…