Rio 2016 Olympic Games

London 2012 silver medal-winning rower Richard Chambers has announced his retirement from the sport.

The Coleraine man, who has twice been crowned world champion, will now take up a coaching position with Cambridge University.

Chambers was fourth in his semi-final at Rio 2016 alongside double sculls teammate Will Fletcher and missed out on a place in the final.

Reflecting on his career the three-time Olympian, whose younger brother Peter also represents Team GB in rowing, said he has been proud to represent his country.

“I have had a career in rowing which has been much greater than I could have ever dreamed,” continued Chambers.

“I never believed that I would make one Olympic Games never mind three.”

Dame Mary Peters has said that NI's athletes can be proud of their Olympic efforts and tipped them for future successes.

Speaking to UTV, the Olympic gold medalist said that NI punched above it's weight in terms of the amount of athletes it produced.

Denise Watson spoke with her about what the future holds for the Olympics for athletes from NI.

Derry triathlete Aileen Reid produced a strong final third to secure a 21st-place finish in the women's triathlon in Rio on Saturday.

Reid was in 36th place following the swimming and cycling portions of the event, but a powerful performance in the 10k run saw her move up 11 places to

That was a big improvement on the 2012 games in London, where a crash during the cycling saw her finish in 43rd position.

Arrested OCI official Pat Hickey has been released from hospital and taken to a Rio de Janeiro police station for questioning, a statement on the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) said.

Brazilian police arrested Europe's top Olympic official in a dawn raid on his hotel on Wednesday, in connection with an investigation into the illegal resale of Olympics tickets. The 71\-year\-old was admitted to Samaritano hospital for chest pain after his arrest.

Thomas Barr has just missed out on a medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the Olympic Games.

The Co Waterford athlete finished fourth in Thursday afternoon’s final in a time of 47.97 seconds.

Gold went to Kerron Clement of the USA in 47.73 seconds.

The head of the Olympics Council of Ireland, Pat Hickey, remains in hospital according to the International Olympic Committee.

Mr Hickey was arrested on Wednesday in Rio by police investigating claims Irish tickets were allegedly sold at an inflated price, and stood down from his position temporarily.

An IOC spokesman said: "The International Olympic Committee has been informed by the Olympic Council of Ireland that allegations have been made against its president Mr Patrick Hickey in relation to facilitating the selling of tickets above face value.

"The IOC respectfully takes note of the decision by Mr Hickey to step aside as president of the OCI and all other Olympic functions (IOC member in Ireland, EOC president, ANOC vice president) until this matter is fully resolved. Until then, the presumption of innocence prevails."

Reports suggest Vladimir Nikitin, the Russian boxer who defeated Michael Conlan on the judges scorecards on Tuesday will not contest his semi-final.

Team USA coach Billy Walsh, who comes from Wexford, told website stiffjab.com that one of his charges, Shakur Stevenson, will advance to the bantamweight final on Saturday by walkover.

Walsh said Nikitin pulled out of Thursday’s semifinal because “his face was a mess” according to Russian coaches. Nikitin won a controversial victory over Irish fighter Conlan in his last fight, which many observers felt the Belfast boxer won.