Nafi Thiam retires from heptathlon after five events

Belgian athlete Nafi Thiam retired from her heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, after five events on Saturday. Her coach, Michael Van der Plaetsen, confirmed.

Friday started well, but in later events, Thiam’s performance was disappointing. After a disastrous long jump Saturday morning, the three-time Olympic champion had dropped to eighth place. "I withdrew her from the competition," Van der Plaetsen told the press afterwards. Thiam herself had previously stated that retirement was likely, but not yet certain.

Earlier during the championships, Thiam complained about the treatment she got from the Belgian athletics federation. The conflict revolves around financial deals related to publicity.

Thiam won gold in the heptathlon during the three most recent Olympic Games.

_{© BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}