Berlin (AP) – Biathlete Maren Hammerschmidt ends her career.
“The last few years haven’t been easy, I’ve had to physically deal with a lot of construction sites that have cost me a lot of energy. From now on, my body can look forward to rest. It’s time for me to go!”, shared the 32-year-old on Instagram with. Even veteran Erik Lesser will retire after this season.
Hammerschmidt made her World Cup debut in March 2012, winning World Championship gold in 2017 and bronze in 2016. In the World Cup, she twice finished second on the podium in individual races. Hammerschmidt missed the 2018/19 season entirely after suffering an ankle injury at the 2018 Winter Olympics. After that she never really got back into shape, this season she didn’t make the World Cup squad and didn’t have any top placings in the second tier IBU Cup either, the Olympics took place without her.
“Today I’m satisfied and happy with my decision to say goodbye to competitive sport and I’m really looking forward to the new chapter in my life that lies ahead of me.”