2010 Olympic ski cross champion Mike Schmid has taken the appropriate steps from his ongoing knee problems.

As Swiss Ski announced in a media release today, the 31-year-old has decided to throw in the towel on ski racing as of today – despite his very good summer preparation.

“It was my goal to attack in the 2015-16 season, and I was able to train well during summer time. As a result I was very confident that my knee would be OK again.

But after the first on-snow sessions I noticed that my knee was still hurting, and that I couldn't take the risk of a new injury”, said Schmid.

The 193cm tall athlete was a member of the Swiss team over the past eleven years and did compete in a total of 46 World Cups.

After a first ACL injury back in 2008 Schmid fought back bringing home his first of 13 WC podium finishes of which six were wins.

However, after becoming the first ever ski cross Olympic champion, he had to handle two more ACL injuries in 2010 and 2013 which not only sidelined him from action from time to time but also hindered him of tying on to his top results.

Nevertheless, he managed a last-minute qualification for Sochi where he placed 32nd which in end became – due to the disappointing recent snow trainings – his career's last race on highest level.

“After consulting my doctors it was obvious that the risk of another injury would be too big. It's been a hard decision as my life is still connected to ski cross racing.

Therefore, I want to thank my fans and sponsors as well as Swiss Ski for their support over the last eleven years,” stated Schmid who will practice his profession as road builder form now on.

Source: fis-ski.com