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German Discus Champion Dietzsch Rules Herself Out of Olympics

DPA news agency (nda)July 28, 2008

Three-time world champion discus thrower Franka Dietzsch will not compete at the Beijing Olympics due to health problems, the Sport Bild paper reported on Sunday on its website.

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Germany's Franka Dietzsch makes an attempt in the final of the Women's Discus Throw during the World Athletics Championships Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, in Osaka, Japan.
Franka Dietzsch is unlikely to add an Olympic medal to the world titles she has wonImage: AP

"It is clear for me now. I will cancel my appearance. I won't wait for a miracle. The Olympics in China will take place without me," Dietzsch told Sport Bild.

Dietzsch, 40, was troubled by high blood pressure in spring which denied her proper training.

She was nominated for the Olympics without having to meet a qualifying criteria but said she would only go to the August 8-24 Games in Beijing if she had a chance to medal.

Dietzsch will now likely end her career without an Olympic medal.

She has three world titles from 1999, 2005 and 2007 as well as a European title from 1998.

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