Johannes Rydzek, the distinguished Nordic combined skier from Germany, has announced that he will retire from competitive skiing following the World Cup finals in Oslo scheduled for this weekend. The 34-year-old has made the poignant decision, stating that 'it is time to say goodbye', acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his farewell after a remarkable career that spans over a decade. His final appearance at Holmenkollen will mark his 301st World Cup individual start, just one short of Akito Watabe’s record of 302 starts.

Rydzek’s illustrious career kicked off in November 2008, and he has since secured 18 individual victories in the World Cup circuit. He is celebrated for his outstanding performances, including clinching gold medals at the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, where he triumphed in both the large hill individual event and team competition. Additionally, he achieved an extraordinary feat at the 2017 World Championships in Lahti by winning all four titles available, solidifying his status as one of the greatest athletes in his sport. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was named Germany's Sportsman of the Year in 2017.

Looking ahead, Rydzek expressed a desire to remain connected to the sport of Nordic combined in some capacity, highlighting his passion and commitment to the discipline even as he transitions away from competitive actions. His retirement marks the end of an era for German Nordic combined skiing, inspiring a new generation of athletes to follow in his footsteps and pursue excellence in the sport.