France's first world championships medallist in rhythmic gymnastics, Eva Serrano retires after an international career spanning eight years and two Olympiads.

The 22-year-old Serrano placed sixth at the Sydney Olympics last summer, and fifth at the '96 Atlanta Games. At the '97 world championships, she won two medals - the first-ever hardware for France in the competition's history.

Serrano's final competition was the Zenith Tournament in Paris in December '00, where she won three gold medals. The Zenith event also served as a retirement tribute to Serrano.

A fan of Michael Jackson, movies and reading, Serrano says she may pursue a career in sports physiology or sports research.

January 2001 issue of International Gymnast Magazine.