Two-time world champion Corinna Kuhnle of Austria has called time on her Canoe Slalom career at the age of 37.
The slalom paddler took to social media to announce her retirement, saying it was the “perfect point” to finish her career after a season that saw her compete on the Olympic stage for a third time.
Her final race came in Paris where she ranked 10th in the women’s kayak final and competed in kayak cross which made its Olympic debut.
Kuhnle’s previous Olympic appearances saw her place eighth at London 2012 and fifth at Rio 2016 in the K1.
As well as becoming a three-time Olympian, Kuhnle enjoyed plenty of success on the world and European stages in the kayak.
Kuhnle captured the world title in 2010 and 2011 and claimed team silvers in 2014 and 2017 as well as team bronze in 2005.
She also became European champion in 2017 and 2021 and achieved multiple victories on the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup Series circuit.
“In 1994, I won my first trophy in a canoeing race at my hometown club,” Kuhnle wrote in a post on Instagram.
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“Thirty years later I raced my last race – my third Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
“Today is the perfect point in my life to leave this chapter behind and to create space and energy for new adventures and challenges.
“In over 20 years as a professional athlete I celebrated a lot of victories and learned even more lessons by experiencing defeats.
“I met wonderful people who became friends and supporters and some, that helped me to grow in other ways.
“I’m grateful for every single encounter and connection that was made.
“My biggest thank you goes out to my family and friends, my fans, sponsors and supporters.
“I wish you all the best for 2025 – Happy New Year.”
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