Neuner to retire at 25

Neuner, who has won 10 World Championship gold medals and 25 World Cup races, announced the decision on her website, adding she would focus on coaching while trying new experiences with a long-term view to starting a family.

Her final race will be the World Championship event at Ruhpolding in March 2012.

Neuner, who has two Winter Olympics gold medals, only won the World Cup 7.5km sprint race in Oestersund at the weekend.

"The first World Cup weekend is behind me and now we look forward to Hochfilzen," she said on her website.

"Before the upcoming competitions though I have one important think to tell you, something I was going to say two weeks ago but was unable to for organisational reasons.

"I will finish my career as a biathlete after this winter. While this may be unpleasant and surprising for many of you, it was not an easy decision to make and something I have wrestled with for some time.

"For starters, I yearn for normality, for a bit more rest and to be able to do things outside of sport. I am motivated to try new things in other fields and am open to suggestions from everyone.

"Eventually the subject of starting a family will play a role, which the women among you will understand, but before that I want to try some new things.

"At the moment I am still trying to get the C-License coaching qualification so I can pass on my experiences as an athlete to children and youths.

"Now I am looking forward to the upcoming winter, and of course the Ruhpolding World Cup."