Finland's NC champion Manninen calls it a career

HELSINKI, Finland — Nordic combined skier Hannu Manninen of Finland announced Thursday that he will retire, capping a career that spanned 12 years.

HELSINKI, Finland — Nordic combined skier Hannu Manninen of Finland announced Thursday that he will retire, capping a career that spanned 12 years.
    Manninen, who won the World Cup nordic combined title four straight years between 2004-07, said he wanted to continue his air pilot studies and spend more time with his family.
    Manninen began competing at age 15. During his racing career he won 45 individual races — more than any other Nordic combined skier.
    Last season, Manninen did not win a single event, missing several races due to illness.

    — The Associated Press