Sweden's Kluft won't defend heptathlon title

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

STOCKHOLM, March 19, 2008 (AFP) — Swedish champion Carolina Kluft said in an interview published Wednesday she would not defend her heptathlon title at the Beijing Games this summer following injury problems.

"I understand that a lot of people will not understand the decision and will contest it but the motivation is not sufficiently there for the heptathlon," Kluft told the Svenska Dagbladet, adding she would still take part in the long jump and triple jump.

"The decision was tough and yet at the same time a simple one. I had been thinking about it for some time," the 25-year-old explained.

"I had a chat with myself, and followed what my heart said," she added.

"The triple jump is not my speciality. But I think it's good to try out new disciplines,"...