Scientists issue devastating new health bombshell to UK Olympic heroes

Our Team GB heroes may unwittingly be facing a deadly health crisis - after UK scientists found Olympic stars are at a higher risk of skin cancer and osteoarthritis. Researchers from Keele University investigated how prevalent health conditions like cancer, diabetes, arthritis and heart conditions are among retired elite sportspeople using data from almost 500 retired GB Olympians.

But to their shock they found them more likely to report melanoma or other types of skin cancer, particularly those who competed in outdoor disciplines such as sailing, rowing, or athletics - and suffer from osteoarthritis - than the rest of the UK population. Dr Dale Cooper, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy and lead author of the paper, said: "Our study offers a unique insight into the long-term health of retired Olympic athletes from Great Britain.