MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Olympic gold medalist Daniel Kowalski, plagued by neck and shoulder injuries for five years, retired from swimming Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Aussie won gold in Sydney as part of the 800-meter freestyle relay team, despite swimming only in the heat and not the final. He also won three medals at the Atlanta Olympics, including silver in the 1,500 meters.

Kowalski returned to the pool last December after a 15-month layoff following shoulder surgery.

"Along with my shoulder frustration, I now have a neck injury that is contributing to me losing feeling in my mouth at times during the day along with pins and needles in my hands," he said.

"I have loved every moment in the sport and I will miss it immensely."

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