Tiril Eckhoff: Norwegian biathlon icon set to retire – ‘I feel incredibly lucky to have lived the dream’

On Instagram, she wrote: “I started biathlon because my older siblings, Stian and Kaja were doing it – I wanted to be as good as them.

“This goal has taken me further than I ever dreamed it would be. I have experienced a lot and feel incredibly lucky to have lived the dream life as a biathlete for over 15 years.

“I got to experience becoming a world champion at home in 2016. It’s a day I will never forget and it will forever remain as the best memory of my sports career.

“In March last year, I won two races in Holmenkollen. I didn’t know then that these would be my last victories as a biathlete – the plan was to keep going. When I give up now, I still think that I give up on top – I finished with two wins at home in front of a fantastic crowd, friends and my closest family.

“It’s a little sad to give up, but at the same time, I also feel it’s the right decision. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and will always look back on the years of biathlon with a smile.”