Source: CCTV.com

01-30-2007 10:46

China's Olympic and world breaststroke champion Luo Xuejuan is to retire from swimming. Making the announcement 3 days after her 23rd birthday, she said she made the decision due to worries over her health.

Luo Xuejuan was accompanied by an official of the State Swimming Management Center and coach Zhang Yadong when she announced her retirement in Zhejiang on Monday. The General Administration of Sport has approved her retirement application and has wished her well in her studies at Peking University.

Despite her success, Luo Xuejuan has been beset with injuries and illness. She fainted several times during training and there were concerns about her health. She had a heart operation last December and has not had a good recovery. Doctors are concerned that continued training could compromise her health. So Luo Xuejuan has decided to step down from a career she loves.

Luo Xuejuan said "I fainted several times in the training, and in those occasions I felt powerless to stand up, I am a perseverant person, not willing to retire.However, I cannot help but quit."