By Sarah Holt BBC Sport in Melbourne

Rawlinson celebrates with partner Jana Pittman after her 400m hurdles win

Chris Rawlinson is looking forward to life away from the track after running his last-ever 400m hurdles race at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

The 33-year-old finished last in the final and revealed a debilitating injury was behind his decision to quit.

Gold medallist at the Manchester Games four years ago, Rawlinson told BBC Sport: "That was the last time I'll be on the track.

"I haven't decided what to do next but I'm retiring because of my injury."

Rawlinson added: "My pelvis is falling apart and I'm in a lot of pain when I run.

"It's time I stopped acting like a child and gallivanting around the world and do something serious for once."

Rawlinson, who has two degrees from Loughborough University, is considering going back to his studies to become a lawyer.

RAWLINSON FACTS Born: 19/05/1972 Event:400m hurdles Personal best: 48.14 seconds Senior debut: 1995 Honours: Commonwealth gold (2002), AAA champion (1999-2003), 4x400m Commonwealth gold (2002)

However, the Rotherham athlete's immediate future involves coaching, managing and marrying the women's Commonwealth 400m hurdles champion, Jana Pittman.

Rawlinson has become a reassuring spokesman for Pittman in the Australian media but he denies reports the Melbourne-based golden girl is planning to quit Australia for good and head with him to the UK.

"We'll be coming back in May and Jana will be launching her European campaign from her training base in Loughborough," he said.

"But we have a house in Melbourne and as much as I love Leicestershire, it's not quite the beach.