Chinese swimming sensation and Athens gold medallist Luo Xuejuan announced her retirement from the sport due to poor health on January 29, leaving behind a legion of heartbroken fans.

Luo's decision, which came three days after her 23rd birthday, was a tough call to make. As a teenage sports star, the 17-year-old won the 2001 World Championship titles in women's 50- and 100-meter breaststroke events in Fukuoka, Japan, giving a hint of the super swimming skills the world would see over the next six years.

Luo was keen to defend her Athens 100-meter breaststroke title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and had on several occasions denied the "rumors" of her retirement because of deteriorating health and the conflicts with China's swimming authorities.

Luo returned to her home in southeastern Zhejiang Province last summer for a recovery training program, after fainting several times during training sessions and failing the fitness tests. Her form continued to fluctuate, which is believed to be the major reason for her being dropped from the national team, and excluded from a string of important regional and world competitions.

Zhang Yadong, head coach of China's national swimming team, was saddened by her departure. "Perhaps it is the result of intensive training and frequent competitions," he said, referring to the health problems Luo has been experiencing.

"I don't want to leave. I was hoping to wait for two more years to retire after the 2008 Games. But my body doesn't allow me to continue and nothing is more important than life," a sad Luo told the media.

"The idea of retirement never crossed my mind. I'm still very young. I hope to swim at the 2008 Olympics and win more gold medals."

Luo Xuejuan, winner of five world titles and an Olympic gold medal before her announcement to quit

"Her heart ailment is indeed very severe. We also feel sorry for her quitting at such an early age. She was always hopeful of victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. But now her recovery is the top priority."

Zhang Yadong

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