Outgoing combined Olympic champion Eric Frenzel made the decision to retire with his family in the past few days.

"I was at home for a few days after the World Cup when the topic came up again. We said: Hey, we've explained what the situation looks like. As I saw for myself: In order to win medals, that would have to happen The level of performance should be a bit higher," said the 34-year-old in a statement from the German Ski Association (DSV).

Frenzel, who is the most decorated male athlete with 18 medals at the Nordic World Ski Championships, had announced his retirement from active sport at the end of this season. "I'm proud of my career and grateful. Of course I would still enjoy my sport, but I also realize that the time has come," said Frenzel. It was important to him not to make the decision “emotionally or biased”. At the World Championships in Planica he had won a silver medal in the team event.

"A Great Loss"

Although Olympic champion Vinzenz Geiger and World Championship silver winner Julian Schmid have taken over from other players, Frenzel's exit will leave a gap in the German combined team. His departure coincides with that of national coach Hermann Weinbuch. "Two luminaries of Nordic combined - international and national - leave the stage. For us as the German Ski Association, this is a great loss," said team manager Horst Hüttel.

Hüttel commented on Frenzel and his 18 World Championship medals: "He wanted to aim for this record and show what he can do again this year. He has that too." There should be a farewell "in a suitable setting" for both Frenzel and the long-standing success coach Weinbuch.