Former world champion Igelstrom retires

Former world short-course champion Emma Igelstrom, of Sweden, has retired from swimming, citing a lack of motivation.

"There are so many other things in life waiting," Igelstrom was quoted as saying in the daily Aftonbladet on Saturday.

"I don't have the same glow that I used to. Elite sport isn't human, you stretch your mental and physical limits all the time."

Igelstrom, 25, has struggled with bulimia during her career and took a nine-month break last year, missing the Athens Olympics.

The high point of her career came in 2002, with three golds at the world indoor short-course championships. She won the 50 metres and 100 metres breast stroke as well as the 100 metres medley relay.

She also won the 50 metres and 100 metres breast stroke at the European championships in the same year. She set seven world records during her career.