By KELSIE JOHNSON, NG Sports Reporter, kelsie@nasguard.com

After watching her reign as Olympic champion in the 400 meters come to an end, last week, Tonique Williams-Darling is now calling it quits.

The 32-year old quartermiler told the Guardian in an Exclusive that the decision was not an easy one but it was something she was contemplating for a while now. According to Williams-Darling it was not only one matter that contributed to the decision, but that several things were added in the equation.

"It has been several things," said Williams-Darling. "Prior to just sitting down and watching the games for these last couple of weeks, there has been several things that had happened in the last two years that kind of signal to me that things were changing and moving in a different direction.

"First the separation from my coach who has been very instrumental in my career, moving to a different state with my husband as he begins his coaching career and with my pregnancy earlier in the year, those were the kind of things that had my career slow down right before the Olympics."

Williams-Darling thanked the Bahamian people for their continuing support throughout her career, through the many highs and lows. Even though she didn't travel to the Beijing Games the undying love for the sport, respect for her fellow Bahamian athletes and friends was displayed.

The national record holder stated that she tuned in everyday to the games, wanting to show her support even though she was not able to be there. She applauded the performances of the Bahamian athletes and wished them well in all of their future endeavors.

Williams-Darling was unable to travel to Beijing to be apart of the games due to a medical procedure that is scheduled for Thursday, in the Florida area.

She added: "Honestly to tell you the truth, I've watched the games for the last two weeks and I've been the biggest Bahamian supporter, I've enjoyed watching everything and even though there is that excitement as an athlete, watching my friend and fellow Bahamians run I never had that itch to be back out there again. I think anytime someone with my caliber in the sport can sit down and watch it and not want to be out there, I think that it kind of signals that I am comfortable and I have accomplished all that I can accomplish in the sport and I am content with that."

As far as returning to the sport, Williams-Darling clearly stated that the possibilities are very slim and that she is looking to the future, which doesn't involve competing.

"There is always that small possibility and you never know what the future holds, but right now I have sight set on other stuff and so as off today, I don't see that happening," said Williams-Darling.

"There are so many things, I have been running for like 16-years now, from a Carifta athlete, so there are so many aspects of my life that I haven't been able to explore. Looking to get into another career and just being there with Dennis as he grows into his profession. Hopefully, we are thinking about doing a couple of shows, there are lot of possibilities out there for us now, so right now I think with the conclusion of the Olympics, we both have it out of our systems and right now we are ready to move onto other ventures."

Williams-Darling's husband, Dennis Darling, who is also a former Olympian, will begin his coaching career this season as the assistant coach with the University of Texas Pan-American.