Olsson calls it a day

Former Olympic triple jump champion Christian Olsson has announced his retirement following a long battle with injuries.

The 32-year-old Swede, who won Olympic gold in Athens in 2004, had hoped to compete in London this year but hurt his foot recently while training in the United States, prompting his decision to quit.

"He doesn't feel as if things are working any more," his manager Daniel Wessfeldt told Sportbladet.

"He suffered a setback last week, when he was out in the United States. He went home and was examined by the medical team.

"The decision to retire came about over the weekend."

Olsson, who also won two European titles as well as a gold medal at the 2003 World Championships, became known for his friendly rivalry with British world record-holder Jonathan Edwards.

However, the Swede has been plagued by injuries since his Olympic success and could only place sixth at last year's World Championships.

Edwards paid tribute to Olsson on Twitter, saying: "Wish my friend and ex competitor the very best for the future...great athlete and will be sad not to see him in London."