Kimery Hern, the South Whidbey High School alumna who qualified for the United States Olympic trials, has retired from the hammer throw.

“I couldn’t have done it without any of you,” Hern wrote in a letter to her supporters. “You all have selflessly supported me financially and often times fueled my drive emotionally. Thank you, from my whole heart.”

Hern began her career as a track and field thrower on South Whidbey. With the Falcons, Hern cruised in the javelin, discus and shot put before discovering the hammer throw late in her prep days. Georgia Tech offered her a scholarship for the hammer throw, where she competed for the Rambling Wreck for four years before graduating in 2009.

After graduating, Hern pursued the Olympic trials as a throwing assistant at the University of Washington under coach Reedus Thurmond. Club Northwest took Hern into its fold, where she received funding support and training in pursuit of the 2012 Olympics in London. As Hern trained and prepared for the Olympic qualifier in Oregon, she set her personal record of 65.10 meters (213 feet, 6 inches) at the Tucson Elite Classic.

Hern plans to enroll in a medical program with the goal of earning a medical doctorate.

“After so many years putting athletic prowess above education, it is a little scary to think I’m going back to school for approximately forever,” Hern said.

“I am really excited about my future and I feel 100 percent confident I have made the right decision.”