Kluft will not defend her heptathlon title in Beijing
Olympic heptathlon champion Carolina Kluft has decided not to defend her title in Beijing later this year, boosting Great Britain's hope of securing a gold medal. Kelly Sotherton andJessica Ennis have been waiting in the wings, and now that Kluft has decided to contest the long jump and triple jump instead they could win gold come August.
Of her decision, the 25-year-old Swede, who has been victorious in every major multi-event title since winning the World Championship gold medal in 2003, said: "A lot of people will not understand my choice and there will be questions but my motivation is not enough for the heptathlon.
"It takes 1000 per cent commitment. For two years I've not had the same hunger."
Swedish Athletics Federation spokesman, Fredrik Trahn, added: "Carolina hasn't said she has quit the heptathlon for good and may return at some time in the future.
"She has no competitions lined up in the foreseeable future. Now she will concentrate on the long jump and triple jumps.
"She has lost 100 per cent focus and spirit for the event but I am sure she will return to it when getting her motivation back."
Sotherton finished two places behind Kluft at last year's world championships Osaka, Japan, with Ennis missing out on a medal by a whisker.
Earlier in the season Ennis said: "Even though Carolina had said that she might not compete in the heptathlon in Beijing, I am going to focus my mind on her being there.
"If she does not do it, it will change the whole perspective of the event. She is one of the greatest of all time."
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