Champion Discus thrower Dietzsch will miss the Olympics for health reasons

Franka Dietzsch at the 2007 World Championships (Photo credit: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 28) -- The three-time Women's World Discus Throw champion, Franka Dietzsch, has been ruled out of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games for health reasons.

The forty-year-old German told reporters on July 28 that it is now certain that she will have to miss the Beijing Olympics.

Dietzsch has struggled with slow body movement as a result of serious high blood pressure, as well as a knee injury.

Though she is now receiving medical treatment for her high blood pressure, Dietzsch has said that she would not be hoping for any miracles.

Dietzsch has not been preforming at the world top level in this year's international competitions.

Dietzsch won gold in the Women's Discus Throw at the World Championships in 1999, 2005 and 2007, but has never won a medal in an Olympic event.