Greek three-time gold medallist announces retirement

Greece's three-time gold medallist Pyros Dimas on Saturday announced his retirement after finishing third with a total of 377.5 kgs in the men's 85kg at the Athens Olympic Games.

Dimas said that he was withdrawing from the sport to spend more time with his family and avoid any further possible medical complications.

"This was the last event in my career, that is why at the end of it I kicked off my shoes and abandoned them on the platform," said Dimas, who carried the Greek flag into the Olympic Stadium at the opening ceremony last week.

"I am leaving weightlifting with my head high up, I am not going to continue," he said, adding that he had already had surgery five times.

"If I continue until Beijing (2008 Olympic Games), I will end up having more surgeries, seven operations. I would rather stick to five and enjoy my family," he added.

Dimas, who was suffering pains in his ankles and wrists and had surgery recently, expressed satisfaction with his own performance.

His name echoed throughout the stadium and an emotional Dimas thanked the people who cheered him, including his children, in what he described as "a unique moment in his career."

The crowds at the Olympic Weightlifting Hall gave him a standing ovation that stalled the medal award ceremony.