Shauna Coxsey will represent Team GB in Tokyo. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Climber Shauna Coxsey has announced her appearance at the Tokyo Olympics will be her final professional event.

The 28-year-old is one of the UK’s most successful competition climbers and will represent Team GB at the postponed 2020 games, which begin in July.

She posted on social media: “The Olympics will be my last event as a professional competition climber.

“I’ve thought long and hard about this and I have many emotions. I made this decision a little while back due to many reasons. But right now all I can think about is how grateful I am. The breadth and depth of my experiences is hard to comprehend.

“This sport has given me so, so much. And to this wonderful community who have supported me through the highs and the lows, and I can’t thank you enough.”

Coxsey said she is concentrating her efforts on giving her best during the Olympic competition. Many of her triumphs have been in the bouldering discipline, but the Tokyo event also involves speed- and lead-climbing contests.

She said: “After years of being ready; years of preparation; off-seasons spent fighting to get to the start line; years of harnessing the desire; the determination and the belief, it feels so wrong to admit I no longer want to do competitions.

“It feels alien. I know how to compete. I know how to come back from injury. How to embrace the highs and navigate the lows. I’ve done it. Time and time again. I know how to be up there with the best.

“I’ve stood on 30 world cup podiums; won 11 gold medals. I’ve been there, no matter what was thrown my way. But this time it’s different. I’m different, the world is different.

“I know that I have one fight left in me and despite so many unknowns it feels right to be putting everything I have left into such a special moment for our sport.”

Coxsey has excelled in bouldering during her career. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Coxsey also got married earlier this month.

The sport climbing competitions will be staged in Japan on 5 and 6 August. The Team GB climber said: “I can’t help but think of all the rock climbs that I’ve been putting on hold for this moment and I’m excited to keep sharing this wild life of mine with you all.

“But for now my focus remains firmly on being the best that I can be and getting off the ground with a smile on my face out in Tokyo.

“Thank you so much for being on this journey with me.”