Injured Hansen forced to retire

British triple jumper Ashia Hansen has announced her retirement after abandoning her attempt to get fit for the Beijing Olympic Games.

The two-time world indoor champion has been plagued by knee problems since 2004 but had hoped to compete at this weekend's Olympic trials in Birmingham.

"It has become clear that I can no longer train through the pain of injury as I used to do," said the 36-year-old.

"I'm not in a position to compete at the level I would want to."

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Four years ago, Hansen was expected to be among the favourites to win gold at the Athens Olympics until she ruptured a tendon in her left knee competing in the European Cup.

As well as two world titles, Hansen was also the European and Commonwealth champion and world record holder.

"I can have few complaints though, given what I have achieved in my career," she said.

"Looking back, I held a world record and I earned an MBE as well as all the pleasure I have taken from being involved in athletics.

"I now hope to put some of that back as part of the Norwich Union performance advisor programme, but the immediate aim is to enjoy a rest and look forward to getting married next May."

UK Athletics chief executive Niels de Vos paid tribute, saying: "She will go down as a truly world-class performer who reached the absolute peak of her event.

"British athletics was lucky to have her."

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