Although the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi are just months away, several Nordic Combined athletes have decided to end their careers after the World Championship winter 2012/13. The most notable being world champion and three-time Olympic silver medallist Johnny Spillane of the United States.

"My desire to be at home with my family outweighs my wish to claim another Olympic medal. In addition, I’m at a point in my personal life where I cannot afford to take the risk involved with competing in professional sport. I have a family to provide for, and an injury or poor season can make it incredibly difficult to do so. While I will miss the sport, I will not miss the travels and many weeks away from home. It is difficult to watch your daughters grow up on Skype," commented Spillane.

After exactly 100 World Cup starts, it was also time to say good-bye for the Swiss veteran Seppi Hurschler, who chose to do his last jump at the 2013 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme (ITA). The 29-year-old was welcomed by his girlfriend at the exit gate and officially left the world of competitive sports after the team sprint with his fellow countryman Tim Hug.

Also ending his career is the Polish national champion, Tomasz Pochwala. Tomasz will be stepping into the footsteps of his father and grandfather in coaching the National Junior Team from the upcoming winter: "I have thought about this decision for a long time, there was nothing spontaneous about it. I wanted to make a change and start a new path in my life," the 30-year-old acknowledged. "Two years ago, I finished my studies at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, so I have all the necessary certificates for coaching. Now, I only need some experience."

Source: fis-ski.com