DUISBURG, Germany (AP) — Eight-time Olympic champion Birgit Fischer says cardiac arrhythmia is threatening her attempt to come back from retirement and compete at the London Games at age 50.
Fischer was forced to give up plans to race at the German canoe and kayak Olympic trials this weekend.
Fischer told a news conference on Friday routine checks this week revealed the heart condition, a problem with the heartbeat’s speed or rhythm.
The German canoe federation had said on Thursday that Fischer would not be able to compete because of a medical condition, but didn’t elaborate.
