Five-Time Olympic Biathlon Champion Martin Fourcade Announces Retirement

Martin Fourcade took to social media on Friday and posted an extensive farewell statement in French regarding his official retirement.

"...Thanks to my opponents and teammates. Thank you to my team (coaches, physiotherapists) for investing with me as if you were in my place on this starting line. Thank you to my partners for making this possible. To the media for accompanying us. Finally, thank you to all of you, in France, Russia, Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic, Italy and wherever you are; thank you for encouraging, supporting, loving me. You

have turned this individual career into a collective adventure. It's time to say goodbye. Thanks for the trip", Fourcade said on Facebook.

In February, five-time Olympic champion Fourcade won his 11th individual world biathlon title. It was his 12th world title in total.

Despite an extensive statement, Fourcade has not revealed any reason behind his relatively early retirement from the sport. Earlier in the day, he retweeted an official statement made by the International Biathlon Union IBU, regarding the cancellation of upcoming competitions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

After a meeting with coaches, the IBU have decided that tomorrow's pursuits in @KlahtiBiathlon will be the final competitions of the season. Sunday's relays are cancelled.

— IBU (@biathlonworld) March 13, 2020