German discus star will skip Olympics

Three-time discus world champion Franka Dietzsch of Germany said Sunday she will skip the Beijing Olympics.

Dietzsch, 40, told Sport Bild magazine that health problems were the reason.

"It’s finally clear to me — I’m withdrawing," she said on the magazine's website. "I don’t need to expect a miracle anymore. The Olympics in China will take place without me."

German officials said Dietzsch, who was diagnosed with high blood pressure several months ago, had been guaranteed a berth on the Olympic team despite lackluster performances this year.

But Dietzsch said earlier she would only go to Beijing if she felt she could compete for a medal. She has won three world titles but never an Olympic medal.

-- Debbie Goffa

Photo: Germany's Franka Dietzsch during a meet last year. Credit: Eckehard Schulz / Associated Press