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The West Country at Rio: Olympic highs and lows

Athletes from across the West Country have been competing in a range of sports at the Olympics in Rio. Here are their achievements

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West athlete announces her retirement at just 20

A North Somerset gymnast who helped Team GB women finish fifth in the all-round competition has announced her retirement.

Ruby Harrold showed poise and strength during her uneven bars routine, but has decided to finish her career as an elite gymnast in favour of university.

Ruby Harrold performs during women's gymnastic qualifications in Rio Credit: PA

The 20-year-old, who trains at Portishead, will head to Louisiana State University this September - a move she has put off for three years.

I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life in college gymnastics, but leaving what I know behind will be hard.

Special thankyou to all the girls in the GB squad. You've helped make the tough times manageable and the great times unforgettable.

– Ruby Harrold

RUBY HARROLD - A PROFILE

20-year-old Ruby is a seasoned performer.

At the 2016 British Championships she won beam and bars bronze before going to Bern for the European Championships and helping the team take silver.

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