Swedish curling champion Niklas Edin has decided to step away from international competition after more than two decades representing his country on the world stage, the athlete revealed Monday.
At age 40, the accomplished skip leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that includes eight world championship victories, eight European championship titles, and three Olympic medals, including gold from the 2008 Beijing Games. Throughout his career, Edin battled through multiple injuries and required numerous surgical procedures.
“The years passed, the injuries kept coming but the titles also started coming. The relentless work had paid off and from that point there was no looking back,” Edin shared through his social media channels.
Edin made history as a five-time Olympian, establishing a new record for most Olympic curling appearances during this year’s Milano Cortina Games. He surpassed American John Shuster’s previous mark by competing in more than 51 Olympic matches.
While stepping back from international competition, Edin indicated he will continue his involvement in curling through different capacities and plans to keep playing in the Rock League, which recently wrapped up its first season.
