Skiing: Shock retirement - Finnish star hangs up her skis

Finnish cross-country skiing star Kerttu Niskanen has decided to hang up her skis. The 38-year old achieved 5 Olympic medals and 2 World Championship medals during her illustrious career, which spanned across 20 years. The Finn took to Instagram to announce her decision, which came as a surprise to many.

Fondly known in her native Finland as "Kepa", the highlight of her career came at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. In China she managed to win silver in the women's 10km classic, only missing out on the gold by 0,4 seconds to Therese Johaug, who was deemed nigh untouchable at the time. She also won the bronze in the 30km frestyle after a strong finish on her traditionally weaker style.

- It's time to end this amazing journey as a professional skier. I've had the privilege of having this great career for 20 years. Along the way there's been boatloads of successes, celebrations of victory, experiences, growth, challenges and failures. Everything that elite sport has to offer, Niskanen began on Instagram.

- It's time to give space to others. A big thanks to my family and close ones, who have supported me in this journey. Top-level competing requires a lot, and your support group behind you matters massively. A big thanks to all my backers, who have made it possible for me to do this as a profession, Kepa continued.

The biggest praise was naturally reserved for her husband-coach Juho Mikkonen: "And the biggest thanks to Juho, who has shared this life with me and coached me throughout my most successful years".

Niskanen didn't reveal what the future has in hold for her, but it wouldn't be a surprise if some kind of career still involving skiing was upcoming.

- It is with wistfulness and gratitude that I know leave my professional skiing career behind me, but I'm excited for what the future might bring, let's be in touch!, her emotional Instagram post finished.

Sources: The Finnish Ski Association
Kerttu Niskanen's Instagram