LONDON, England (BBC) – Wales’ former European junior 400-metre champion Tim Benjamin has quit athletics after struggling with injuries for the past few years.

Benjamin, 27, decided against retiring in 2008 after missing the Beijing Olympic Games due to acute sinusitis.

He recently suffered a hamstring tear which came to light after he won the European Teams Cup title in June.

Benjamin said: “Although this decision may seem sudden, it is the culmination of incessant setbacks.”

He made his comeback after a further month out last Friday at the IAAF Paris Golden League meeting, but struggled and finished seventh.

“It is with both great sadness and excitement that I am announcing my retirement from athletics with immediate effect,” said the Welshman.

“The injuries and illnesses I have endured over the last four years have been well documented, with my absence from last summer’s Olympics Games representing the pinnacle of disappointment and frustration.

“I have already talked about how my 2008 disappointment almost caused me to leave the sport, but I was determined to end my career on my own terms when the time arrived.

“I feel incredibly proud that I have come back from a very difficult period in my life to achieve the qualifying time for the World Championships and win the European Cup for my country.”

He added: “Taking an individual or relay spot in Berlin from an aspiring 2012 Olympian would be disingenuous and unfair when I am unable to enjoy competing the way I used to.

“I must thank the many, many people who have supported me over the last decade.

“I am enormously grateful for the opportunities and friends this amazing sport has brought me and look forward to using the passion I have for it in another way in the near future.”