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Colin Jackson's distinguished international career came to an end in Sydney almost before he had realised it.

The elusive gold medal remained an unattainable goal for Cardiff's world champion and record holder when he managed to finish no better than fifth in the 110m hurdles final, won by Cuba's Anier Garcia in the Stadium of Australia.

"I just crossed the line and said 'my goodness it's over' and that was it", revealed Jackson, 33, who will now compete on the European circuit. "It's my last championships, definitely."

Jackson was making his fourth attempt at the ultimate prize, having taken bronze in Seoul in 1988, seventh place in Barcelona four years later when suffering with a rib injury and being one spot outside the medal placings in Atlanta.

There were no regrets, though, voiced by the Welsh thoroughbred hurdler. He insisted: "I'm world champion and world record holder, my medal cabinet is crammed with trophies so I can't actually complain.

"I'm happy with my career. I don't think many people have achieved what I have achieved. I'm certainly happy with what I've done.

"I said I'd retire from international competition, I'll certainly be running on the circuit, that's the thing I enjoy the most. When you see how many championships I've won it can never be a bad day for you.

"I've done better than 95 per cent of British athletes out there, and 95 per cent of the world athletes out there, so how can I possibly be disappointed with my championship career? No way.

"I wouldn't say it's a difficult thing to accept, you have to accept it, this is athletics. You just get on with it, obviously I'm very disappointed.

"My career has spanned so many years, not to pick up a gold is a frustrating thing. My preparation was fine."

False starts in the semi-final and then the final did not make for an ideal start.

He finished third in the heat - a placing which surprised him - and was positioned wide in lane one for the final.

Jackson was probably ahead in the burst from the gun, but then clipped too many barriers to lose vital split seconds as Garcia powered to the gold in 13.00secs, with America's Terrence Trammell second with a personal best of 13.16 and Atlanta Games silver medallist Mark Crear, also of the USA, third in 13.22.

Maybe after eight flights Jackson (13.28) was still in with a medal chance, but his crucial race was simply not right on the night.

Neither was it ideal for America's defending Olympic champion Allen Johnson, who had to be satisfied with fourth place.

Jackson added: "My feet were cramped, a little bit tight in the blocks. I really didn't get a clean race from there.

"I didn't realise where I was in the final, I thought I was first or second in the semi-final, I didn't realise third.

"I was pretty sure I'd beaten Allen. I was hitting hurdles which takes 10ths off your performance."

Despite the imposing presence of Johnson, he felt Garcia was always going to be the major threat in the elite field.

Jackson, the only man to regain the world title, won a hat-trick of European championships plus Commonwealth golds - and he still holds the world best mark of 12.91secs.

It will now be a case of catch-me-if-you-can and Jackson added: "I think it will still be around when I retire."

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