February 17, 2008	Sunday	Safar 09, 1429

BIRMINGHAM, Feb 16: Carolina Kluft again hinted here on Saturday that she might abandon her attempt to defend her Olympic heptathlon title in August in order to concentrate solely on a single event at the Beijing Games.

The Swede, who first suggested she was falling out of love with the heptathlon after retaining he world title in Osaka last August, is a world-class long jumper.

“I felt a bit empty after Osaka,” Kluft said ahead of this weekend’s indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham, where she will take part in a three-event competition comprising the 60 metres hurdles, long jump and 400 metres.

“I haven’t really got the 100 percent motivation which you need to be good in the heptathlon and to do all the events,” the 25-year-old added.

“Before I quit, I want to give 100 percent in maybe one event or two and not seven events, although I will not retire after Beijing.

“If I am not in the heptathlon in Beijing, I will cheer for the others with all my heart and hope one of my great friends should do well,” added Kluft, who has dominated the heptathlon since winning the world title in 2003.

Britain’s Kelly Sotherton, heptathlon bronze medalllist at the Athens Olympics four years ago, insisted she was keen for a re-match with the Swedish star in Beijing even though Kluft would be the overwhelming favourite for gold.—AFP