Nathan Runggaldier and Mika Vermeulen hang up skis

Italy’s **Nathan Runggaldier**and Austrian Mika Vermeulen hung up their skis for good… even though it is just the jumping skis.

As both announced on their social media presences, they will not pursue careers in Nordic Combined anymore.

As Runggaldier writes on his Instagram accoount: "IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE. After 9 wonderful years with nordic combined, I decided to end my career with my last jumps on 31st of august at the hills of Villach. It surely wasn't a simple decision. I discovered my love for nordic combined in the past 9 years."

"This sport opened a new world to me and it changed my life completely. I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for all the support they gave me during my career. They never gave up on me and I will thank them for the rest of my life. It was without a doubt the best time of my life, but nothing lasts forever."

While he is not sure if Cross-Country Skiing or Biathlon will be his sports in the future, he is not done with sports on the highest level yet.

In Mika Vermeulen’s case, the fast cross-country skier with the Dutch roots will focus on cross-country skiing only in the future. In summer, he will continue to cycle for the Grazer Pushbikers WSA Team.

The 19-year-old from Ramsau am Dachstein can look back on one Continental Cup victory and is a silver medallist from the FIS Junior Nordic Ski World Championships in Utah in 2017. In addition, he won two gold medals with the team, one at the EYOF 2015 and one at this year’s Junior World Championships in Kandersteg (SUI).