Swedish Canoe Sprint star Petter Menning has announced his retirement from the sport due to medical reasons.
Menning, who was crowned world champion in 2013 and is a two-time Olympian, has a congenital heart defect.
The 36-year-old underwent surgeries in his quest to reach the Paris 2024 Olympics but has decided to retire from elite competition.
"It's been quite a long process,” Menning told SVT Sport.
“I have tried to turn over all the medical stones that can be turned to see if it would work to continue at 100 percent.
“But it hasn't worked out and that's why I need to quit.”
Menning made his name in the men’s K1 200, winning numerous medals on the international stage.
His biggest moment came in 2013 when he captured the world K1 200 title in Duisburg, Germany.
Menning also finished his career with three silvers and one bronze to his name at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships.
Other career highlights include four European medals with his gold coming in 2013 and he was also the European Games champion in 2015.
Menning represented Sweden at two Olympic Games, finishing 10th at Rio 2016 and sixth at Tokyo 2020.
His final major medal came at last year’s European Games in Krakow, Poland where he claimed silver.
"I'm going to miss all the people, the sport, everything,” Menning told SVT Sport.
“When we talk, it's only been official for an hour or so but I get teary-eyed by all the messages from everyone who has become close friends and also everyone I haven't met but who has been hit by me when I've shared everything that has been difficult, hard, fun.
“I get teary-eyed when I get all the love that comes.”
Picture by the Swedish Canoe Association
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