Olympic hammer champion Kozmus announces retirement

BELGRADE, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia's Olympic and world hammer throwing champion Primoz Kozmus announced to retire on Wednesday, citing personal reasons.

The reigning champion revealed his plans via an email.

"Farewell is not an easy decision and I need a break, that is why I decided to end my sports career," said Kozmus.

"I will allow myself to take time to think and consult with my team if my leaving is irrevocable. I will make a final decision before the start of a new season.

"My reasons are personal. Some of turnarounds in my personal life brought me to this stage... I politely ask for understanding and respect for my decision," he said.

Kozmus claimed the Olympic gold medal last year in Beijing and beat former Olympic champion Szymon Ziolkowski of Poland to take the world title last August in Berlin with a winning throw of 80.84 meters.