Aldo Montano's Olympic fencing gold medal four years ago brought him celebrity status in his native Italy, but after the Beijing Games he will hang up his sabre and head to work at the shipyard.

The 30-year-old will defend his title on Tuesday before returning to start working in his family's shipyard in the Tuscan port of Livorno.

"I'm not young and I'm not old, but I think that I will stop," said Montano.

"For me it's enough. But I will decide after the competition."

With a flashy smile, chiselled chin andwavy hair, Montano is perfect TV material.

"I tried it and it's good, it's a new experience," he said. "But I think the best for me is to work in the family company. It's more relaxed."

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