It’s not the first retirement.
But I fear Beijing was the last time we have seen one of the world’s greatest gymnasts compete.
Four-time world champion gymnast Marian Dragulescu says he is retiring for health reasons and will become a trainer.
Dragulescu, 28, one of the world’s top vaulters, said Thursday he would retire after medical tests revealed he had chronic back problems. He said that he would likely train young gymnasts for the Dinamo Bucharest club.
Dragulescu was bitterly upset when he failed to clinch a medal at the Beijing Olympics saying “my soul broke” after he fell on the landing of his second vault attempt. …
Dragulescu was also bitterly upset at failing to get a medal in Beijing and receive the bonus promised by Romanian authorities, which he planned to spend on treatment for his three-year-old daughter, who is unable to hear or speak.
Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu has offered to contribute to the costs of the child’s operation in Austria.
Although he competed in various events, Dragulescu was best known for the vault and even had one exercise_ a handspring double front with half turn_ named after him.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 