Yaowapa Booraplochai was operated upon for a torn ankle ligament.

Athens Olympics bronze medallist, Yaowapa Boorapolchai, who recently retired from taekwondo, underwent an operation on her injured left foot at the Phramongkutklao Hospital yesterday.

Doctors found a torn ligament on her left ankle which needed to be operated upon. After the medical check-up on Tuesday, Yaowapa admitted that she never realised the injury could be this serious.

"I had already made up my mind to quit taekwondo. After the operation, I have to spend three months recuperating before I can walk again. It will take three more months for my injury to completely heal," Yaowapa said. "The association has offered me a chance to coach, but that's too far- fetched for me," she said.