Edwards bows out

2003-08-25 21:42

Paris - Britain's triple jump Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards ended his stunning career in disappointment here on Monday as he retired from the world championship final after just two attempts.

The 37-year-old world record holder had been suffering from an ankle injury prior to the championships and limped into the final after Sunday's qualifying round.

Edwards, a devout Christian, was unable to perform at his top form strolling into the pit on his first try while his second produced a below-par 16.31 metres.

He decided to not try a third attempt and ended his multi-medal career watching the other athletes go through the third round of jumps.

Moroccan running great Hicham El Guerrouj paid warm tribute to the Briton after he reached the final of the 1 500 metres to put himself in sight of a fourth world title.

"It's a pity to go out like that because he is a man I have a lot of respect for.

"I have always thought he is very courageous and I wish him all the best," said El Guerrouj, who will also try to win the 5 000m later in the week.

Edwards had announced on Friday that this would be his last event as he had received a sign from God when he injured the ankle at the Crystal Palace meeting earlier this month.

He is set to begin his new career with the BBC on Tuesday.

- AFP