British heptathlete Denise Lewis has withdrawn from the Athens Games after a disappointing run of results. The 31-year-old, who won the event four years ago, had been blighted by injury during the build up to the Olympics.
She was well off the pace of Swedish leader Caroline Kluft and second-placed Briton Kelly Sotherton when she bowed out on day two of the event.
"I am physically and emotionally devastated and I am completely empty at this moment," said Lewis.
"I have put my heart and soul into this year with only goal and one mission in mind - to come away from the Olympic Games with a medal.
"I would do myself even less justice going through the motions when all my hopes have gone."
The defending champion, clearly struggling with her fitness, did compete in the long jump but lay 18th overall afterwards and decided to bring an end to her battle.
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