Scotland’s Kirsty Balfour, the two-time Olympian and 2007 World Championship silver medalist in 200m breaststroke, has announced her retirement from international swimming.

The Edinburgh 24-year-old is getting married on November 8 and has decided her life is set to take a different direction.

"The time was right for me to leave the sport and with my wedding coming up it was time for a big change," said the City of Edinburgh swimmer. "I always planned to swim up to Beijing and see what happened there. When I came home I just knew I was ready for a change in my life.

"I have been swimming for 12 years and I have enjoyed it so much. I made my international debut in 2000 at the European Junior Championships and my career progressed from there. I had been given a talent by God and I wanted to make the most of it.

"I am really going to miss the bond that you have when you are part of a team. The environment at events is completely different to anything you would ordinarily experience and being away with everyone in the same tracksuits and the same aims gives you a really special link to each other."

Balfour's dedication to the sport certainly paid dividends with a return of eight senior Commonwealth, European and World medals to add to the many British titles and records acquired over the years.

"I have so many moments that were really special for me; winning silver in Melbourne in 2007 will always be a career highlight. Also I had a great 2006 - I won seven international medals that year. I swam against Leisel Jones for the first time at the Commonwealth Games and won my first major medal in that race which was a really proud moment for me."

The Commonwealth Champion qualified for her second Olympic Games after her impressive performances throughout 2007 and although her result wasn't what she was aiming for she enjoyed every moment of her experience.

"It was so good to be part of the team that competed in Beijing," Balfour added. "I competed at two Olympics in my career and this year I reached the semi-final in Beijing.

A committed Christian, Balfour is currently busy preparing for her wedding to David Kettles, and she is looking forward to giving something back to the community.

"My next steps are to take some time for myself and my future husband,” said the Sports Science graduate. “Our wedding is coming next for me and then we are going on our honeymoon to Morocco. I will also be doing a lot of work for my church and some youth work in the coming months."