Defending champion Jonathan Edwards withdrew from the world men's triple jump final midway through the event in Paris on Monday.

Edwards, 37, the Olympic gold medallist and world record holder, had said before the championships that Monday's final would be his last competition before he retired.

The Briton, the first to jump beyond 18 metres when he broke the world record twice at the 1995 Gothenburg World Championships, injured his right ankle at the London Grand Prix this month.

He was doubtful for the world championships, but decided to travel to Paris, where he announced last Friday that he would retire.

"I think it was a sign from God that this is the time to stop," the religious Edwards, who even refuses to compete on Sundays, said. "I'll jump here and that will be the end of my career. It's quite an emotional moment.

"I think it is a sign not to carry on to the Olympic Games, but to stop here."

On Monday, Edwards jumped twice before retiring to the side of the track. He recorded 14.08 metres and then 16.31m, grimacing as he landed the second time.

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