Beijing Olympic pole vault champion Hooker retires

Canberra, April 12 (IANS) The 2008 Beijing Olympic pole vault champion Steve Hooker of Australia announced his retirement from the sport.

The 31-year-old said he is still physically fit but doesn't have the mental drive to continue at the top, reports Xinhua. 

"I honestly thought the body would be the one that would give way, and that would be the end but it has almost been the opposite," said Hooker. 

From 2008 to 2010, he won every major title in his event, the Olympics, world indoors and outdoors championships. 

But Hooker had difficulty qualifying for the 2012 Olympics due to what he often called the pole vaulting "yips," and did not make the London final. 

Photo Credit: olympic