Marie-Jose Perec (FRA) at the Atlanta Olympics (© Getty Images)
Jose Perec has announced her retirement from competitive sport.
Perec, who scooped the 200m and 400m double at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and also won the 400m gold at the Barcelona Games in 1992, has decided to hang up her spikes at the age of 36.
"I am here this evening to say to you quite simply that this beautiful adventure which started when I was 15 years old, is finishing this year," Perec told TF1 on Monday.
"I have finally decided to hang up the boots. It's funny to say that 'I am stopping my career' but it is the case."
"I made the decision eight months ago, but I needed to get accustomed to the idea. I will finally discover the true life, a normal life. I feel very euphoric, very excited," confirmed Perec who was also the 1991 and 1995 World 400m champion. She also took a European title at the same distance as well as being part of the 4x400m gold medal team at the Helsinki European championships in 1994..
French Federation President Bernard Ansalem led the tributes to Marie-Jose Perec.
"I love athletics and for me Marie-Jose will always remain the most fantastic athlete the world of athletics ever had," he said on French radio RMC on Tuesday.
The Guadeloupe-born Perec has struggled to compete in recent years after suffering recurrent injuries in her back and thigh.
"I am not surprised about her decision. I was expecting it for a few months. She tried to come back last year (at the 2003 World Championships) but her health problems prevented her from doing so. At that moment I really thought it was over for her."
"Marie-Jo will not cut herself from the world of athletics and I am sure she can bring a lot.''
The Federation technical director Robert Poirier has also praised Perec.
"She is an exceptional athlete and she has put her past behind her now," he said. "We have forgotten the difficult times and I have seen a very happy woman. She has developed into a great person both in the sporting and human sides. I am confident she will also make her new life a great success."
Perec is expected to be present at the Athens Olympics this summer and will have a communication role within the federation.