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The Latvian champion, gold medal in Sochi 2014 in the 4-man bob and world champion at Igls 2016, has announced his retirement after the last operation for a severe form of slipped disc. "I had a great opportunity to do what I love."
Thursday 28 October 2021 2 minutes reading time
A big man in the world bobsleigh says enough, stopped by physical problems after a difficult summer, with the surgery made necessary for a back injury linked to a herniated disc.
Oskars Melbardis made his decision official just a few weeks before starting the season that will lead to the Beijing Games, he who in Sochi 2014 fulfilled his dream of becoming Olympic champion in the four-man bobsleigh, even if that gold celebrated him over 5 years later, due to the disqualification for doping of the Russian Alexander Zubkov.
At 33, the Latvian champion also leaves with two Olympic bronzes, both obtained in the two-man bobsleigh in Sochi and PyeongChang, but also the world title in the four-man bobsleigh won in the 2016 Igls world championship, in addition to the World Cups in both specialties and also two in the combined ranking. "I had a great opportunity to do what I love - Melbardis' words to greet his fans - I was able to savor the sweet taste of victory, but also to experience painful defeats, and I can only thank all the people who accompanied me. in this fantastic adventure ".
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