OLYMPIC gold medallist Leisel Jones and former AFL footballer Marty Pask have split months before they were due to wed.

Jones and Pask, who met two years ago, released a joint statement yesterday.

Jones said: "Marty and I met at a time that was right for both of us and we have shared some wonderful memories together but, over time, we have realised that we were not ready for the commitment of marriage.

"Together we believe it is better for us as young people to continue to grow our personal and professional lives as individuals.

"I am certainly focused on a career in the beauty industry and am still very much committed to swimming, and I know Marty has so much talent in the areas he wants to focus on.

"When I look back at our time together I still smile about all the positive things that Marty brought to my life. I learnt a lot about life and myself through Marty and that is something I will be eternally grateful to him for."

Jones stressed she and Pask were "still friends".

"As far as a break-up goes, our lives are fairly uncomplicated because we don't have children or a mortgage or any other long-term commitments together." she said. "But, just like anyone else that experiences the break-up of a relationship, I am looking towards the future."

Jones and Pask began their relationship in late 2006 when she was living and training in Brisbane and he was playing with the Brisbane Lions. He was traded to the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne at the end of the year and the couple began a long-distance relationship.

Pask was poolside in Beijing in August when Jones - competing at her third Games having debuted in Sydney as a 15-year-old - won her first individual Olympic gold in the 100m breaststroke.

"I took great joy in supporting Leisel and seeing her realise her dreams of Olympic gold," Pask said in the statement. "I will always support Leisel in what she chooses to do as we still remain close friends. I am now at a stage in my life where I need to look ahead and move forward."