Weightlifting giant retires

“Weightlifter Jang Mi-ran is leaving.” The Korean queen of the sport, 29, and Olympic gold medalist has put down her barbells after 15 years of dedication. She held a news conference Thursday at the gymnasium of Goyang City Hall in Gyeonggi Province, holding a bouquet of roses instead of a barbell. She said she wanted to leave with a smile but could not control her emotions. Once strong enough to lift the world`s heaviest weight, she could not hold back tears flowing down her cheeks. Jang said, however, that she will apply to join the Athletes’ Commission of the International Olympic Committee next year.