Nordic combined-Norway's four-times Olympic champion Graabak calling time on career
(Reuters) -Norway's Joergen Graabak, a four-times Olympic champion in Nordic combined, announced his retirement on Friday, nine months before the 2026 Olympics, saying he is looking forward to "new adventures".
The 34-year-old, who is the most successful Olympic combined skier of all time, won gold in the individual large hill at both the 2014 Sochi and 2022 Beijing Olympics, and gold in the team large hill event at both Games.
"It has been an amazing journey, and I am incredibly grateful for all the people I have had the opportunity to share it with," he said in a Norwegian Ski Association press release.
"I have been both skilled and lucky to have experienced great moments and results – but equally important is everything I have learned, and everything I have experienced along the way.
"Now I am looking forward to new adventures," he added.
Ivar Stuan, the Norwegian Combined Sports Director, said Graabak would have been a contender for an Olympic medal in Italy.
"But I have great respect for the choice he has made," Stuan said. "Norwegian combined sports have a lot to thank Joergen for. He is without a doubt the combined athlete of all time in an Olympic context.
"Four gold and two silver is a huge achievement, especially considering how few events we have compared to some other sports. Such a decision is respected just nine months before the next Olympics. A golden boy is leaving."
Graabak was recently selected for Norway's combined team for the upcoming season.
Graabak is also a three-time world champion, and most recently won silver in the individual large hill and bronze in the team large hill events at this year's world championships in Trondheim, Norway.
(Reporting by Lori EwingEditing by Christian Radnedge)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a minute ago
- New Straits Times
German Olympic champion Dahlmeier seriously injured in Pakistan mountaineering accident
PESHAWAR: German biathlete and double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier has been seriously injured after being struck by a rockfall while attempting to summit a 6,094-metre peak in northern Pakistan, a provincial government spokesperson and a Pakistani climbing federation said on Tuesday. The accident occurred on Monday when Dahlmeier was hit by a landslide in Hushe Valley in the northern mountain range in Gilgit-Baltistan province, said spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, adding that bad weather meant a helicopter had been unable to reach the site. The rescue operation is underway with the cooperation of the Pakistan army, Faraq added. The incident occurred around noon on July 28, at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters at Laila Peak, said Alpine Club of Pakistan, a National Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Federation. Dahlmeier, 31, was climbing with her mountaineering partner, Marina Eva, when a sudden rockfall hit her, resulting in significant injuries, it said in a statement. Its vice president Karrar Haidri said Dahlmeier was seriously injured. Dahlmeier retired from the sport in 2019, aged 25, a year after becoming the first female biathlete to achieve a sprint and pursuit double at the same Olympics. Her management did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment from Reuters. Germany's ZDF broadcaster said that a helicopter overflight on Tuesday had found no signs of life. The country's northern mountainous regions have experienced heavy flooding and landslides, killing several local tourists during the current monsoon spell of rains. Flooding and other rain-related accidents have killed 288 people in Pakistan since the monsoon season began in late June, says the country's National Disaster Management Authority.--REUTERS
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Sports commissioner receives Datukship for a lifetime of leadership
Suhardi Alias is seen as a steady hand in shaping ethical and effective sports management. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysia's sports commissioner, Suhardi Alias, was today conferred the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) by the Penang governor, an award that carries the title 'Datuk.' The honour was presented in conjunction with the 84th birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Ramli Ngah Talib. Suhardi described the award as a proud and deeply meaningful moment in his long public service career. 'I am truly honoured by this recognition,' former student of St Mark's School in Perai. 'This award isn't just for me. It's for all who work tirelessly to strengthen Malaysian sports. 'It motivates us to continue improving how we serve the public and support athletes.' Suhardi added that the award would act as a 'catalyst' for pushing reforms in governance and better administration across Malaysia's sports landscape. Suhardi's roots in Penang sports run deep. He played a key role during the 2001 SEA Games, where he served as the head of the Penang technical secretariat overseeing four events: bowling, squash, wushu, and judo. That year, Malaysia emerged overall champions for the first time with a historic 111 gold medals. He also worked closely with the Penang government and national sports council (NSC) to evaluate and improve the rating system for state and national sports bodies seeking administrative support. With nearly 35 years in the ministry of youth and sports, Suhardi has contributed to some of the country's most important sports frameworks. He helped craft the national sports vision 2030, the sports industry roadmap, and was behind the first national-level sports management and sports science courses, which he continues to teach. Suhardi also served as NSC deputy director-general (strategic) and was part of the NSC's rating committee with the Olympic Council of Malaysia in 2009. He also chaired the NSC anti-corruption committee and has been part of initiatives with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Interpol and the Olympic movement. Since being appointed Sports Commissioner in August 2023, Suhardi has overseen the expansion of recognised sports under the Sports Development Act 1997 from 39 to 103, covering traditional, modern, and digital disciplines. 'We welcome new sports. They open doors for more youth to participate and excel. This is how we grow the industry and the ecosystem around it,' he said. Last year, Suhardi made headlines for speaking out against Malaysia hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling it 'financially risky.' Though his remarks drew internal scrutiny, many praised his honesty and called for more leaders like him in public service. Today's honour confirms what many in Malaysian sports already knew: Suhardi is a builder, a reformer, and a voice for responsible leadership.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-Mbappe inherits Real Madrid's number 10 jersey after Modric exit
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Quarter Final - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 5, 2025 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
