BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Three-time Olympic champion of gymnastics Yang Wei, double Olympic gold medallist in the Beijing Games, confirmed his retirement on Thursday.
The 29-year-old spearheaded China to the men's team title and collected all-around individual to cap his prolific career. Yang was also a member in China's win of men's team in the Sydney Olympics. Before culminating in Beijing, Yang also won seven world titles and two Olympic silvers in an international career spanning13 years.
According to Yang, the injury forced him to retire and gave up hope of taking part in China's 11th National Games in October.
"I just can not handle it now although my mind is still there to compete on at least for the national games," said Yang, who pondered to quit at the aftermath of Athens Olympic debacle.
"I think it's the time to retire and it would have been more reasonable to retire at the peak of my career after the Olympics. I'm happy I can stick to my training until now and finished top on the Beijing Olympics podium.
"I just wanted to end my career following flop in Athens out of concern of injury and my form, but my coach Huang Yubin persuaded me to hang on. I'm so eager to be part of the Beijing Olympic squad, so I said no to the thought of leaving finally," said Yang.
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