ONE of the great characters of the sporting world is planning to show athletics a clean pair of heels to concentrate on his new career.

Jamie Baulch yesterday announced his retirement from the track to start a sports management business, a move which will probably come after next year's Commonwealth Games.

He will be missed on the track, not just for his sporting prowess, but for his famous hairstyles.

Over the years Jamie's hair was dyed a multitude of colours, including green, red, blue and traffic-light colours - but the most famous hairdo was the blond dreadlocks that became his trademark when he first broke into world athletics.

In December 2003, Jamie was voted the man with the best hair in sports - beating David Beckham - in BBC Radio One's sports review of the year.

He also showed his serious side in May 2002, helping an Argus-backed campaign to tackle racism.

Jamie also posed for one of a series of photographs taken by Argus photographers for a calendar produced by Newport Forum to Counter Racial Harrassment.

His interest in running began when his adoptive parents began taking him to Newport Harriers as a teenager, and he began making his mark almost immediately.

But away from the track Jamie is also a devoted family man. He and his partner, Susannah Spring, who live in a village near Newport, have two boys - ten-year-old Jay and Morgan, aged two.

The couple met when they were both students at Pontypool college, and have faced long separations while Jamie was away training or competing.

She is looking forward to him being able to spend more time with his family after he stops running.

Susannah admitted that at first she was worried he was doing the right thing.

"I was afraid he might regret the decision but he is so into his new sports management company," she told the Argus.

"I'm pleased he will be home a bit more, but with the business he is going to be just as busy as always. At least he will be home at night. I'm really happy for him."

She is also pleased that he intended to compete in the next Commonwealth Games and thought it was a fitting finale to his athletics career. "He has always enjoyed the 'friendly games' and it will be nice if he can go."

Susannah is very supportive of his new business venture. "He just wants to put something back... to help out other athletes and pass on advice."