Poutiainen to retire at end of season

Tanja Poutiainen at this season’s bib draw in Lienz. GEPA/Felix Roittner

Finland’s Tanja Poutiainen, one of the best female technical skiers in recent years, announced on Monday (March 10) she will retire at the end of this season. She came back this year after recovering from an ACL injury and spiral fracture suffered in March 2013.

Sunday’s giant slalom race in Lenzerheide will be the last race of Poutiainen’s long career. In 17 World Cup seasons, the 33-year-old clinched three World Cup titles in giant slalom and slalom and collected a total of 11 victories and 48 podiums since December 2001.

“When I look back all this I feel good and happy to tell that I will end my career after this season,” she posted to her Facebook page.

Poutiainen also won silver in giant slalom in Sestriere during the 2006 Turin Olympics and has a total of four podiums at World Championships.

“There has been so many great memories and unforgettable moments during these many many years! I have loved this sport and I am honored to be able to make such a long career,” she added.

Release courtesy of FIS