Family plans played role in Herrmann-Wick's retirement

The balance between family and professional sport played a role in German biathlete Denise Herrmann-Wick's decision to retire at the end of the World Cup season earlier this month, reported dpa.

"Some athletes have children during their career and then come back. I find that very difficult, because I always want to give 110% in the things I do," the world and Olympic champion told an interview to web.de published on Friday.

For Herrmann-Wick, it was clear that family planning would only come after her career, because for women the decision is more difficult than for men.

"For men, family and professional sport go hand in hand, for women it is a bigger challenge," she said.

She now wants to start a family with her husband Thomas Wick, and is planning to build a house in her adopted home of Ruhpolding.

The most important thing this year is her family, "which has had to take a back seat in recent years," she said.

She could imagine returning to the sport "at some point" in "some role" in the future. But not as a coach, she stressed.

Throughout her career, Herrmann-Wick won two world titles and one Olympic gold at the Beijing winter Games last year.