Wanaka triathlete Nicky Samuels announced on Wednesday (February 1) she will be retiring from international triathlon. The two-time Olympian is expecting her first child in August.

Nicky spent 10 years as a professional triathlete, during which time she attended both the London and Rio Olympic Games, placing 35th and 13th respectively. She also raced at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as an individual and in the team's race, in which the New Zealand team narrowly missed out on a medal.

Nicky's career has included world championship medals, world triathlon series medals, world cup medals, an off-road triathlon world championship title and an aquathlon world title. She was New Zealand elite cycling champion and triathlon national champion, and achieved many podium finishes for her pro team in France, TCG-79, which she captained over the last few years.

Nicky was ranked as one of the top five triathletes in the world in 2014, and has also won "bucket list” races like the 'Escape from Alcatraz' triathlon, the 'Alpe d'Huez Triathlon' triathlon, and the prestigious Xterra off-road triathlon world championships in Maui, Hawaii in 2013 despite her limited experience in off-road racing.

Tri NZ high performance director Hamish Carter this week expressed his excitement for his fellow triathlete. "Nicky has made an incredible contribution to triathlon both as an elite and in the community. Her performances on the world stage have been exceptional for the sport and New Zealand," he said. "On behalf of Tri NZ we wish the Samuels family all the best and look forward to celebrating the arrival of their new baby."

Nicky will remain based in Wanaka this winter, where she plans to launch a triathlon coaching business and spend time close to family and friends.

PHOTO: Supplied