Chinanews, Jan. 30 - Luo Xuejuan, the only Chinese swimming champion in the Athens Olympic Games, announced retirement due to illness on Monday.

 

Luo, just celebrating her 23rd birthday three days ago, told a news conference in her hometown Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

 

She said she had spent seven years in the national swimming team, which she always regard as her home. She expressed her desire to make contributions for the Beijing Olympic Games.

 

Luo won the women's 50 and 100 meters breaststroke events at both 2001 and 2003 world championships. She captured the 50m title at the Athens Olympics in 2004, which was China's first Olympic swimming gold in eight years.

 

Luo will further her study in Beijing University after retirement.