Michael Blackwood hangs them up

[Sickko]

citing among other things lack of form over the last few years....


http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/glean...s/sports1.html

[Sickko]

Michael Blackwood retires

226 views TEXAS, USA – Jamaica’s Olympics 1600m relay bronze medalist, Michael Blackwood, has announced his retirement from track & field.
Blackwood, who in 2002 was ranked men’s 400m number one runner by the IAAF, made the disclosure after Donald Quarrie, technical leader for Jamaica’s team to the World Championships, contacted him as a late addition.
“Going towards Berlin, I felt like I did not have anything left in me, so declined the offer,” said the 33-year-old.
“I think that’s it for me … I’m retired,” added Blackwood, who won bronze in the 400m at the 2003 Paris Championships and helped Jamaica to same colour medal in the 4×400m.
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Blackwood, who had been thinking about retiring since last season, said he was force to call it a day after his disqualification at the national trials.
After trials, he also had below par performances, running 45.63 in Abuja, Nigeria; 46.01 in Barcelona, Spain and 46.38 in Stockholm, Sweden.
He said after these negatives he just “did not need to go any further … mental and physically I was burnt out,”.
Blackwood said he would now take up a career in graphic design as according to him, he has two kids and a wife to support.

[Baddaz]

michael blackwood represented jamaica with dignity and pride... i wish him all the best in his future career endeavors...

[MdmeX]

Good luck to him. Glad he has a career in place for his future earnings.