Hannu Manninen ends stellar Nordic combined career

Finnish Nordic combined skiing star Hannu Manninen on Thursday announced his retirement after a dozen years in the sport twinning cross-country skiing and ski-jumping, dpa reported.

Manninen, 30, won a record 45 World Cup races and lifted the World Cup trophy four straight years 2004-2007.

Manninen was not quite as successful at big championships, but finally won the sprint title at the 2007 Nordic worlds, his only individual medal at the worlds or Olympics. But he also has eight team event medals (among them three gold) on the big stage.

Manninen said wants to spend more time with his family and wants to continue his air pilot education.