Four-time Olympic medallist and multiple world champion Emma Aastrand Jorgensen has called time on her Canoe Sprint career.
The 28-year-old Danish kayaker says she is “extremely proud and satisfied” of what she has achieved in her career and is now “ready to try something new”.
Her announcement comes at the end of a year that saw Jorgensen increase her Olympic medal tally to four courtesy of her women’s kayak single 500m bronze at Paris 2024.
Jorgensen also won K1 500m silver at Rio 2016 and bronzes in the K1 200m and K1 500m at Tokyo 2020.
She picked up nine medals at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint World Championships from 2014 to 2023, including three golds, three silvers and three bronzes.
Other major achievements include three golds at the European Games and four titles at the European Championships.
Jorgensen retires after entering the history books as Denmark’s most successful female Olympic paddler.
"I think I've reached a point in my life where it makes sense for me to stop,” said Jorgensen.
“Throughout my career, it has been a huge driving force that I should have fun kayaking.
“I still love the sport, but it's just not as fun for me as it used to be.
“I have been at the highest level for 10 years, and I am extremely proud and satisfied with my career and I am ready to try something new in my life.”
Jorgensen said she made the decision to end her career at the conclusion of this season at the turn of the year, insisting it had been well considered and felt like the right call.
"I have known that I would stop my kayaking career for several months, and in that way I have also had time to feel if it is the right decision,” said Jorgensen.
“And that's it.
“I feel happy and feel good about the decision, which I have discussed many times with my closest family.
“I've sparred with them, and they've supported me in doing what feels right.
“It has been really nice.”
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Looking ahead to her next challenge, Jorgensen added: "I have had an insane amount of experiences with a lot of fantastic athletes, coaches and sports managers.
“I owe them a big thank you for giving me the space to do things my way and be part of an environment where we have all made each other better. It's new for me to stand here and not be 'kayak Emma'.
“Now I have to find out how to be Emma, who does not paddle a kayak at an elite level.
“I'm looking forward to a new everyday life, and I'm sure I'll find something new and exciting to throw myself into.”
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