Austrian Gregor Schlierenzauer, the most decorated World Cup ski jumper in history, is taking an indefinite break from the sport, announcing the move on his 26th birthday on his website Thursday.
“I want out of the spotlight,” Schlierenzauer said, according to an International Ski Federation (FIS) translation. “Right now I simply don’t know what the future brings, I want to spark the passion again and become clear about how my way shall continue without any pressure.”
Schlierenzauer, 26, owns a record 53 World Cup victories but has not performed as well individually at the Olympics, picking up two bronze medals in 2010 and no medals in 2014.