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AUGUSTA, Maine -- Julia Clukey wanted to take one more run at an Olympic team. Instead, she decided that any potential risk to her long-term health was not worth the chance.Clukey retired from luge on Tuesday, ending a 19-year career that saw her compete in the 2010 Vancouver Games, win the U.S. national title two years later and claim a record eight national start championships. She cited ongoing complications related to Arnold-Chiari syndrome, a condition that causes brain tissue to extend into the spinal canal and cause a number of problems.Ive had a great career, Clukey said, adding she has no regrets.The 31-year-old Clukey first tried the sport at a luge recruiting event in Portland, Maine, saying she did so only in hopes of getting a free T-shirt. She got the shirt and more, including an invitation to train in Lake Placid, New York, with the national team.Clukey was an annual fixture on the World Cup circuit, racing on all the major tracks in North America and Europe for years. She had brain surgery in 2011 to help relieve the issues caused by Arnold-Chiari and was able to return to racing the following year. She said more problems have popped up in recent months.It wasnt an easy decision to make, but I certainly am eager and looking ahead to the future and excited for the opportunities that will come, said Clukey, who recently completed her degree in electrical engineering. I feel very fortunate for the career that Ive had in the sport of luge. Almost 20 years I spent sliding, competing and really feel so lucky that I was able to do something I love for so long.USA Luge was consulted about her health status and agreed that retiring was the right move.It was obvious the pain has escalated beyond a healthy tolerance, said Dr. Eugene Byrne, the team doctor for USA Luge. As part of this decision, we factored in the dedication and intensity of the way Julia trains and competes. Julia always wants to give 110 percent. However, she understands that the pain isnt going to go away and, that at this point, aggravating it more could cause future health concerns.Clukey is active in her native Maine with outreach programs designed to inspire schoolchildren, and plans on continuing that work. Wholesale NFL Jerseys Authentic . The team said Saturday that Lopez was hurt during its 121-120 overtime loss at Philadelphia on Friday. The Nets said they would issue another update next week after consultation with their doctors. Cheap Jerseys From China . -- Mike Smith never saw his first NHL goal go in. http://www.cheapwholesalejerseyschina.com/ . Nigeria beat surprise package Ethiopia 2-0 in the second leg of their playoff for a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna made certain of Nigerias place in Brazil with his powerful free kick in the 82nd at UJ Esuene Stadium. Cheap Jerseys USA . The Celtics closed out their first preseason under Stevens on Wednesday night with a 101-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who rested a lot of their lineup including former Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Cheap NFL Jerseys China . LOUIS -- Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59. Katie Ledecky will anchor the 4x100m freestyle relay, which gives her the opportunity to leave the Olympics with as many as five medals.Ledecky took the anchor leg in the preliminaries Saturday and posted by far the fastest time among the four American swimmers. Her split was 52.64 seconds, good enough to rally the U.S. to second in the heat behind the favored Australians.Simone Manuel and Abbey Weitzeil will lead off for the Americans, followed by Dana Vollmer and Ledecky. Theyll be trying to give the U.S. its first gold meedal in the event since the 1996 Atlanta Games.ddddddddddddDefending Olympic champion Australia is a big favorite.?Emma McKeon and Brittany Elmsie will take the top two legs, followed by sisters Bronte and Cate Campbell.Ledecky is favored to win gold in her three individual events, and shell be the anchor on the 4x200 freestyle relay.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.? ' ' '