Editor's note: In 2013, several all-time greats decided to call it a day and retire. China.org.cn looks back at a year of farewells.

 

Zhong Man

 

Zhong won China's first ever men's fencing Olympic gold in Beijing 2008.

Chinese sabre fencer Zhong Man ended his career after helping Jiangsu win the sabre team gold medal at the National Games in September.

"I think I can say this tournament was the last stop in my career. This was my last real competition, so I cherished the chance so much. I desperately wanted to win the team gold after failing in the individual event," said the 30-year-old.

Zhong won China's first ever men's fencing Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008.