Claudia Nystad ends professional career

Thu, Jun  24, 2010 - By FIS

Olympic winner Claudia Nystad announced she has stepped down from professional cross-country skiing. Nysted marked very succesful period of the German Ski Association as she captured not only five Olympic medals but also five from World Championships.

Eventually, the 32-year-old turned again appearance at the Olympic Games in Vancouver into another sensation.

"The Games in Vancouver were a highlight of my career," said Claudia Nystad. "I've been thinking a lot in recent months and I found out that it is now time for me to start a new life. After Vancouver, it has become difficult for me to find motivation. "

Photo: FIS

Nystad decision was not entirely unexpected but was received with great regret. "Claudia was one of the outstanding athletes we have ever had with German Ski Association," said DSV sport director Thomas Pfüller. "The gap she leaves behind in our team will be for young athletes very difficult to close. Therefore, we would naturally appreciated if she she could one-two years continue. However, we respect her decision and wish her success in their future life. "

Eight years after the sensational Gold in Salt Lake City Nystad together with her team mate Evi-Sachenbacher-Stehle delivered the biggest surprise of the Olympic Winter Games 2010 from German perspective. In the team sprint, they rolled over the whole world's elite and won a gold medal again!

Besides the cross country track she studied art graphic design and was active in fund rasing. In summer 2007, Nystad auctioned for the benefit of a foundation for abused children, her Olympic relay medal from Salt Lake City. The gold medal was bought by the Russian Olympic museum in Smolensk.

For the coming years, the Olympic and World champion has set already new priorities. Instead of endurance, technique and power there will be soon entirely different "sessions" in her timetable. Nystad wants to study Business.

Contributed by DSV