Johannes Rydzek has broken up with me. © ANSA / JUSSI ESKOLA

The farewell of a double Olympic champion

The winter sports scene is losing a great athlete: The two-time Olympic champion has announced his retirement.

March 12, 2026

From: dpa/det

Two-time Olympic champion Johannes Rydzek is ending his career. The Nordic combined skier announced that this winter will mark the end of his competitive athletic career. "It's time to say goodbye! The moment feels right, I'm completely at peace with myself," said the 34-year-old. This Sunday's season finale in Oslo will be his last World Cup. "I'm taking so many emotions with me to Norway, including a touch of melancholy," Rydzek said.

The Oberstdorf native has experienced a great deal in his long career. Rydzek participated in the Winter Olympics five times and was also part of the German team in Italy this year.

National coach Frenzel: "That was great"

National coach Eric Frenzel spoke of a "bitter pill to swallow that Johannes is now ending his career." The 37-year-old, who also went medal hunting together with Rydzek as an athlete, explained: "To be able to perform at such a high level for so many years, to always be ready at major events – that is not easy, that was great."

Johannes Rydzek in action. © ANSA / Jussi Eskola

Rydzek has won four Olympic medals. In 2010, he won bronze in the team event. Four years later, he won silver with the team. In 2018, Rydzek even became Olympic champion in the individual large hill event and also won gold with the team. At World Championships, Rydzek collected even more medals – he became world champion seven times.

Rydzek wants to remain with the team

Rydzek also experienced some bitter sporting moments. At the Winter Games in China, he led for a long time in the normal hill competition as his teammate Vinzenz Geiger achieved a stunning Olympic victory. In a memorable race, Rydzek was overtaken just a few hundred meters from the finish line and missed out on a podium finish. Three weeks ago, he and Geiger were on course for gold in the team sprint after the ski jumping. In the end, they finished only fifth – partly due to Geiger's falls.

Rydzek won the individual World Cup race 18 times. "I've spent more than half my life competing in the World Cup. I will miss this journey, these moments, and the people I've met and experienced," he said, adding: "I want to remain involved in the combined event in some capacity."