Michael Neumayer (GER) is among the biggest names to announce his retirement after 16 years on the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup presented by Viessmann.

Neumayer’s biggest accomplishments were team silver at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver (CAN) and two silver and two bronze medals at FIS World Championships team competitions. Meanwhile, his best result in the overall World Cup rankings was ninth place in the 2012/13 season. In 2007/08, Neumayer was third overall in the prestigious 4-Hills-Tournament.

The 37-year-old commented: “The decision to end my career was not easy. Ski Jumping has always been my passion. During the past season, I have tried everything I could to compete with the world's best ski jumpers. Despite my great ambition, I am no longer able to jump at this level. I had a great time and gained lots of valuable experience. Now, it's time to quit and focus on other things in life. I want to thank everyone who supported me over the past years - sponsors, fans and especially my family.” 

Neuymayer is not leaving the circuit entirely as he plans to become a FIS Technical Delegate for Ski Jumping.

Meanwhile, Swiss ski jumper Marco Grigoli announced his retirement at only 25 years of age due to injury. He made his debut on the FIS World Cup circuit in February 2010 and earned his best result in March 2012 with a 15th place in Trondheim (NOR).

"Three surgeries, six months on crutches and dozens of hours of physical therapy didn't bring the success I had hoped for. So, after one and a half years, I have now decided to retire from competitive sports. The time in the rehabilitation was full of ups and downs, new starts and emotional highs and lows. My strength and patience was used up", he wrote on his Facebook page.

The Swiss, who plans to work as a teacher, does not say good-bye to the Ski Jumping family entirely: "My goal is to remain a part of the Ski Jumping family and to follow everything from a different perspective. I hope that I'll get to meet many of my friends and colleagues again at the hills or at other places." 

Further retirements in Ski Jumping include Daniel Wenig (GER), Andrea Morassi (ITA) and Yuta Watase (JPN).

Coach changes
 
In Finland, Jani Klinga resigned from his position as head coach of the National Team as 34-year-old Andreas Mitter (AUT) took over the role.

Read an interview with Mitter here.

In Poland, Lukasz Kruczek, who celebrated many victories with the Polish Team including Kamil Stoch’s Olympic gold medals, has resigned and was replaced by Stefan Horngacher (AUT). The 46-year-old former world class ski jumper was Assistant Coach of the German National Team most recently and gained experience in Poland when he was coaching the B-team from 2004 to 2006. 

Read an interview with him here.

Meanwhile in Switzerland, Pipo Schödler has left the team after one year as head coach. A replacement has yet to be announced.

Source: fis-ski.com