Washington, Jul 1 (IANS): Former Olympic champion Janet Evans had to end her comeback as the 40-year-old finished 53rd out of 65 swimmers in the 800-metre freestyle preliminaries at the US Olympic trials.

Evans timed nine minutes and 1.59 seconds, placing eighth out of 10 swimmers in the heat won by Jamie Bohunicky, a 21-year-old who swam 8:48.42. Evans' time was far off her seed time of 8:46.89, reported Xinhua.

"I wish I had swum faster, but I think I will be totally grateful," she said. "Grateful for the fact that I was able to do it and my body held up and people supported me. I am happy I did it instead of sitting on my couch wondering 'what if'."

Evans also didn't advance out of the 400m freestyle prelims Tuesday.

"Yes, this is definitely it," she said. "I just signed my retirement papers. First thing I did."

She had won the 800m freestyle at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, and was undefeated in the event for eight years during her career. She retired after the 1996 Games.