BERLIN — Three-time discus world champion Franka Dietzsch will skip the Beijing Olympics after a series of health problems.

The 40-year-old German told Sport Bild magazine today that she was withdrawing. She was diagnosed with high blood pressure several months ago and checked into a hospital last month to undergo testing again after sluggish performances.

"It's finally clear to me — I'm withdrawing," Dietzsch told Sport Bild's Web site. "I don't need to expect a miracle anymore. The Olympics in China will take place without me."

Dietzsch also fought knee problems after doctors were able to lower her high blood pressure — once considered life-threatening.

German officials said Dietzsch was guaranteed a berth on the Olympic team, but she has been far from a world-class level at the few meets she has entered this year. She said earlier she would only go to Beijing if she felt she could compete for a medal.

Dietzsch won world titles in 1999, 2005 and '07, but has never won an Olympic medal. She has said she plans to retire after the 2009 world championships in Berlin.