«I earlier planned to end my skating career at age 32, but the defeat in Turin was a big factor behind this decision. It took quite a long time for me to make up my mind,» Shimizu told reporters.

The 32-year-old became the first Japanese Olympic champion in speed skating with his 500-meter victory at the 1998 Nagano Games.

He also won the 1,000-meter bronze in Nagano and added a 500-meter silver in Salt Lake City four years later. Last month in Turin, Shimizu slumped to 18th in the 500 in his fourth Olympic appearance.

«I have this feeling that I'll be able to help develop young skaters to a higher level by skating together with them,» Shimizu said, adding that he also thinks he can climb back to the top.

«As long as I've decided to compete further, aiming for a place in the Vancouver Olympics (in 2010) is in my thoughts but breaking the world record will be my nearest goal,» he said.

Last November, Shimizu saw his 500-meter world record broken by Japanese compatriot Joji Kato, who clocked 34.30 seconds in Salt Lake City to shave 0.02 off the previous mark Shimizu set in March 2001.

Source: (Japan Economic Newswire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)