Mike Edward’s wife, Perri Shakes-Drayton announces retirement from athletics
After 16 years of being a professional athlete, Perri Edwards, wife of Mike Edwards, first runner up of Big Brother Naija, (Season 4) fame, has announced her retirement from the tracks.
The 31-year-old Olympian made this announcement in a post and video on her Instagram page on Thursday.
Perri stated that her retiring had nothing to do with her health, adding that she is just ready to move on and look forward to the future ahead.
“ANNOUNCEMENT: it’s the end of a chapter
“20 years since I was first introduced to athletics as a little girl, 16 years as a professional athlete. I’ve decided to call it a day and hang up my spikes… Athletics has given me many opportunities, including traveling the world and meeting many people.
“It’s been my life for 20 years but I’m ready to move on and look forward to my future ahead. Big thank you to those who have supported me, fans, friends, sponsors, and family. Coach Chris Zah for believing in me and making dreams of mine realities.
“I’ve learnt a lot on my journey through the highs and lows, a big reason for the woman I am today.
“P.S enjoy my video, you know I love the camera had a few words to say plus enjoy some of my great moments from on the track.
“See you around guys
“Love PSD.”
Edwards came to prominence at the English Schools Championships where she set a UK junior record time in the 400 m hurdles.
She made her first major international appearance at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Athletics where she finished eighth, achieving a new personal best of 57.52 seconds.
Grenadian sprinter and hurdler won gold medals at the 2012 World Indoor Championships as well as the 2013 European Championships. At the 2012 London Grand Prix, she posted the second-fastest 400m time ever by a British woman.
She graduated from Brunel University and set hurdling records at the English Schools Championships.
She was a star hurdler before a knee injury at the World Championships in 2013 forced her to focus on sprinting.
Her father, Patrick, is the former fitness trainer for boxer Lennox Lewis.
Perri got married to Mike Edwards, who is also a high jumper, few months before he came on the Big Brother Naija show, in 2019.