Former world-class ski jumper Severin Freund is retiring.
"In the last few weeks it has become clear to me that my time as an active athlete is coming to an end," said Freund at the World Cup finals in Planica, Slovenia, on Sunday.
“I had really good years and was able to gain a lot of valuable experience.
After my comeback with the great successes of the last two years, I'm at peace with myself and can close this chapter in my life the way I imagined it would."
With his success in the 2014/15 season, Freund is the last German overall World Cup winner in ski jumping to date.
The 33-year-old Bavarian won gold with the team at the 2014 Winter Olympics and was able to look forward to a total of eleven medals at the ski jumping and flying world championships.
He has 22 individual World Cup wins, the last of which was in Finland in November 2016.
Freund had to struggle with health problems again and again in his career.
After several injuries, including two cruciate ligament tears, he has not been able to return to his former level in recent years.
However, he has recently stabilized.
Two weeks ago he won the silver medal with the team at the Ski Flying World Championships in Vikersund.
"Severin leaves a big gap in the national team in terms of sport and personality," said national coach Stefan Horngacher.
"We regret, but respect his decision and will do everything we can to keep him in our ranks in the future."
Freund studied International Management.
He now wants to take care of his professional future, sport should always play a role.
"Ski jumping is my great passion and that's what my heart beats for.
That's why I will remain connected to this sport for the rest of my life," said Freund.