MADRID, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Triple Olympic weightlifting medalist and twice world champion Lydia Valentin announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday at an event held at the headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Committee in Madrid.
The 38-year-old won an Olympic silver medal in Beijing 2008, a gold in London 2012 and a bronze in Rio 2016, as well as world titles at the 2017 and 2018 world championships.
She also took a world championship silver medal in 2019, along with four European gold and five silver medals and was famous in Spain for celebrating her successes with her hands pressed together in a 'heart' sign.
However, problems with a hip injury have dogged her in recent years and was a key factor in her failing to qualify for Paris 2024, leading her to draw curtain on her career.
"I announce my farewell to the elite, although I would like it to be a day of celebration," said Valentin.
"I leave happy, satisfied and very grateful, I have achieved much more than I imagined. I have made history and I have put my sport at the top of the world," she added at the event where she was surrounded by family, friends and other athletes. ■
