Manaudou forced into abortion

Paris - French swimming legend Laure Manaudou was forced to undergo an abortion due to medical complications, the former Olympic champion said on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old, who retired in January, was four months pregnant with what would have been her second child.

"After my official retirement from sport on January 30, I announced my second pregnancy having (passed the first trimester)," said Manaudou in a statement.

"Today it is with sadness that this pregnancy has had to be terminated for medical reasons.

"I am very saddened by this news. I learnt from high level sport that there is no road on which you can avoid accidents and it's just as true on a personal level."

Manaudou took a break from swimming in 2009 before giving birth to daughter Manon in April 2010.

She became the first French woman to win Olympic swimming gold in 2004 when she was at the peak of her form and raced to the 400m title as well as adding three world titles.

Her partner is former 50m world record holder Frederick Bousquet.

Over a remarkable 12-year career, she broke seven world records, 15 European records and 78 French records.