2012 Olympian Morgan Uceny announced her retirement from professional track and field in a statement distributed by her agency Global Athletics. 

"At this time, I've given everything I have to the sport but am looking forward to beginning a new adventure," Uceny said.  

The 31-year-old thanked her longtime coach Terrence Mahon, her agent Mark Wetmore, her family, and her sponsor adidas for the opportunities provided to her throughout her career. 

"The success that I experienced would not have been possible without the guidance of my long time coach and mentor, Terrence Mahon. He took a chance on a small town girl and made her believe that she could run with the best in the world," she said. 

At her peak, Uceny was the fastest woman competing in her event. In 2011, she ended the season ranked No. 1 in the world in the 1500 meters by Track & Field News. It was the first time since 1985 that an American was ranked No. 1 in the world in the 1500m. Her still-standing personal best of 4:00.06 set in September 2011 won her the 2011 IAAF Diamond League title. It was a welcomed victory after a devastating fall in the 2011 world championship final. Unfortunately, Uceny fell again one year later in the 1500m final at the 2012 Olympic Games. 

That 4:00.06 PR makes her the sixth fastest American ever in the event.

Despite the devastating championship performances, Uceny remained a mainstay in middle distance competition throughout the years. Her most recent season was her best to date since 2012. She notched the Olympic standard in a season's best mark of 4:03.94 at the Furman Elite 1500m and went on to place fifth at the Olympic Trials, a near miss in an attempt to make Team USA. 



Uceny ends her career with three national titles and a significant mark on the growth of women's middle distance running in the United States.

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end." https://t.co/jgljINXUf9

— Morgan Uceny (@MUceny) December 14, 2016

wishing you the absolute best on your next adventure!!! Loved watching you race

— Shalane Flanagan (@ShalaneFlanagan) December 14, 2016

hey Mo, you had an amazing career. Always admired your work ethic, drive, and most importantly, who you are as a person. Hats off!

— Josh Cox (@JoshCox) December 14, 2016