China

Chinese diving queen Guo decides to retire

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-23 11:11

Guo Jingjing [File photo]

BEIJING - Chinese diving queen Guo Jingjing has decided to retire to end the speculation over the past two and a half years on her future at the national team.

National diving team leader Zhou Jihong confirmed on Sunday that the Olympic and world champion diver had submitted her application for retirement.

"She already made it clear that she would not train and compete, so she will not appear in the London Games," Zhou was quoted by Chinese portal Sina.com.

"She is out of the national team. We respect her decision," Zhou said. This is the first time that the national team confirmed Guo's retirement.

After the Beijing Olympic Games, Guo has become the center of speculation as what she will do next. Her last major event was the 2009 National Games where she eased to her fifth title and then she disappeared from the competition venues but often returned to the public sight as an ad star or Youth Olympic model.

"I think I have fulfilled my task, so the London Games is not what I have in mind now. The chances should be left to other talents in the team," the 30-year-old told The Bund, a magazine based in Shanghai, a couple of days ago.

Guo's retirement marked the end of an era during which she set an almost unbeatable record of four Olympic gold medals, five consecutive victories in both the individual and synchronized 3m springboard at the world championships and 17 World Cup titles.

She is not just a phenomenon on the springboard, but also an eye-catching figure off the venue with her good looks and seven-year romance with Kenneth Fok, son of Hong Kong Olympic Committee president and tycoon Timothy Tsun-Ting Fok.

It has been reported that Guo will get married this year.