by sportswriters Yang Boyi, Huang Haoyuan

DONGGUAN, China, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Olympic weightlifting champion Shi Zhiyong announced his retirement shortly after claiming his third gold at China's 15th National Games Monday evening.

The 32-year-old veteran had said before the competition: "If I can conclude this National Games with an outstanding performance, I will continue training and look forward to writing the final chapter of my weightlifting career at next year's World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, my home court."

Regrettably, he made the retirement announcement immediately after stepping down from the podium.

"You won't see me competing on stage next year, because I truly can't lift anymore. The 189kg I attempted today was the heaviest in my career," Shi said. "It was a sign telling me it's time to leave."

In Monday's men's 73kg category final, Shi dominated the snatch segment with a commanding 161kg lift. Moving to the clean and jerk, he successfully lifted 185kg on his first attempt but failed twice in his bids to conquer 189 kg. After his third unsuccessful attempt, the seasoned athlete leaned down to kiss the barbell plate, and walked off the stage.

"This kiss is dedicated to my 22-year weightlifting career. It's a farewell, I'm officially leaving this stage," explained the two-time Olympic champion, whose tender gesture marked the end of his illustrious professional journey.

"It's time to say goodbye to the weightlifting platform!" Shi said as he left the mixed zone, holding the Games mascot and his gold medal. Enditem