Two-time Olympian Jim Steacy retires from hammer throw

Two-time Olympian Jim Steacy is hanging up the hammer for the last time.

Taking part in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics are just two of the many accomplishments over the course of the athlete’s illustrious career.

After over 17 years of training in hammer throw, Steacy said it’s time to give himself and his body a break.

“My body has taken an absolute beating over the past few months and you know, my checklist is done,” Steacy said.

“It’s time. I’ve had my fun and I’ve had my run at it. So, it’s time to move on with life.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's time. I've had my fun and I've had my run at it. So, it's time to move on with life."

WATCH: Steacy achieves Olympic dream

Steacy has spent his entire athletic career with one guy by his side, coach Larry Steinke. Steinke has watched Steacy grow from an eager 15-year-old, to become one of the best athletes to ever emerge out of Lethbridge.

“My proudest moment was certainly when he made the final in Beijing in 2008 as a young rookie and being there for his first time,” Steinke said. “It’s difficult enough as a veteran going to the games to do those kinds of things and to be able to have that kind of composure.”

Steacy said one of his proudest moments was winning a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

WATCH: Steacy returns home to hero’s welcome

“I was just trying not to jump out of my skin,” Steacy said in 2014. “Trying to calm that much excitement was not easy… I’m lucky I didn’t actually fall down in the circle.”

It was an emotional competition as he was still mourning the loss of his biggest fan – his mother.

“Getting to share that with Dad and Sean was the best part about this, and I know she was there too,” he said in 2014.

After an incredible career in the sport, the question of course, is what’s next?

“What’s next? Well, spending a lot of time with my family and friends,” Steacy said. “Especially getting to watch my sister, and sister-in-law compete in Rio this year – it’s going to be so neat to be able to watch them as a fan.”

“It would’ve been nice to be a teammate with them but it’s equally as special to be able to do this now.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It would've been nice to be a teammate with them but it's equally as special to be able to do this now."

READ MORE: Former University of Lethbridge students named to Canada’s Olympic rugby roster

Steacy said he hopes to start a family and wants to pursue a career with the Lethbridge Police Service. But it’s safe to say, he is already a Lethbridge hero.