Gemma Spofforth announces her retirement at 24

Retirement at just 24! Swimmer Spofforth ends career to help disadvantaged children | UPDATED: 16:12 GMT, 21 September 2012 Retiring: Gemma Spofforth is to quit swimming at the age of 24 to help under-privileged children British swimmer Gemma Spofforth has announced her retirement at the age of 24, saying she 'cannot top' the experiences she has had in her career. The 100 metre backstroke world record holder finished fifth in the event at this summer's Olympic Games. Spofforth, who lost her mother Lesley to cancer in 2007, told SwimNews: 'I have had a very turbulent career and I feel that I cannot top a home crowd in London or a world record in Rome (in 2009)