2014 Olympic sprint champion and 2-time World Champion Ola Vigen Hattestad has decided to end his skiing career.

"I want to thank everyone who helped me on the road both by family, friends, teammates, coaches, support, sponsors, media and other supporters. The Norwegian Ski Association deserves a big thank you, so does Olympiatoppen and my club Ørje IL," Hattestad wrote on his Instagram.

Hattestad debuted on the World Cup in 2003. Two years later he celebrated his first World Cup win. During his career Hattestad won 13 individual World Cup, finished 32 time on the individual World Cup podium. In 2008, 2009 and 2014 he he won the Overall Sprint Globe. The biggest moment of his career came when he won gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games in sprint free technique. 

Hattestad was also struck but injuries and illnesses during his career. Due to health problems he did not qualify for the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. 

"The last 2 years have been very challenging with ever new colds. For some periods, I did a good job, but it was unfortunately more an exception than the rule," he said. 

We wish Ola Vigen Hattestad and his family good luck in his future life.  

Source: fis-ski.com